Jhanet
Jhanet is a young, single mother of two. She was diagnosed with Chagas disease 15 years ago, requiring her to be hospitalized at various times in her life. Studies and tests during her hospitalizations found that Jhanet’s heart was failing. The 26-year-old faced rheumatic heart disease, in addition to mitral valve disease and permanent atrial fibrillation. Emergency mitral valve surgery was necessary to improve the young mother’s health.
Jhanet is unemployed, due to her condition, and relies on her father and brothers for assistance with expenses for the children. She expressed her concerns in an interview with Puente de Solidaridad social workers. “I feel that little by little my strength is going away. I can't talk or walk. I've lost weight and I would like to try once again to improve myself for my children. Unfortunately, money is our biggest problem.” Despite Jhanet’s difficult situation, she and her family have remained diligent in doing everything possible to better her health and happiness.
On November 8, 2022, Jhanet was able to receive the surgical procedure needed with the support of Solidarity Bridge and her dedicated family and physicians. She was discharged and reunited with her children four days later. Jhanet and her family are grateful to Puente de Solidaridad and the Goff Gift Fund for making this life-saving surgery possible.