Ruth
Six-year-old Ruth and her younger brother, Alex, live in a home for at-risk children in Cochabamba, Bolivia. At the “House of Hope”, as it is called, Ruth and Alex are fortunate to receive loving care, attention, and protection. It was not until Ruth arrived here that she also received much-need medical attention.
Social workers at the House of Hope could see how Ruth tired easily and struggled to breathe with physical activity. She was taken to see cardiologist, Dr. Gabriel Echazú, who diagnosed her with Ebstein Anomaly. This is a rare, complex congenital heart defect characterized by a deformation of the tricuspid valve. Doctors recommended a Cone Reconstruction Surgery to repair Ruth’s tricuspid valve.
Ruth’s caretakers sought help and were referred to the Puente de Solidaridad Pediatric Heart Surgery Program. Puente de Solidaridad social workers contacted Bolivian partner surgeon, Dr. Carlos Brockmann, who agreed to perform the complex surgery.
Just when everything was in place for Ruth to undergo surgery in the fall of 2019, Bolivia became embroiled in a nation-wide conflict. The results from the 2019 presidential elections sparked protests throughout the country. Most public and private institutions shut down, including hospitals.
Finally, in late January of 2020, conditions in Bolivia stabilized. Ruth’s condition was also stable enough to proceed. Ruth underwent surgery to correct her tricuspid valve on January 28th and was released from the hospital less than one week later.
While Ruth has a long road to recovery and wellness ahead of her, she is fortunate to have the support of so many. We are grateful for all of the medical professionals, social workers, and donors who persisted in finding help and healing for this one, little heart.