Leon
Soon after birth, Leon was diagnosed with significant patent ductus arteriosus. Doctors closely monitored his heart over the following months in hopes that the large open blood vessel would narrow and close on its own. When it failed to do so, the pediatric cardiologist advised Leon’s parents to schedule him for surgery. Juan Carlos, a landscaper, and Liceth, who sells food on the weekends for extra cash, were referred to Puente de Solidaridad for support. Thankfully, the defect could be patched with a simple procedure requiring just one overnight in the hospital. Leon is now thriving as a curious toddler.