NNN
Timoteo is a strong-willed, 9-year-old boy who cares very much for his older sister, mother, father, and maternal great-grandmother. When he was three years old Timoteo caught a simple cold and became very sick. His pediatrician thought it could be due to a heart problem, but other doctors disagreed. In the summer of 2022, Timoteo fell seriously ill once again. Doctors finally diagnosed Timoteo with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) which could be treated through a catheterization procedure.
Timoteo put on a brave face. He didn’t want to show how worried he was for his health and for the costs of the procedure for his family. Timoteo’s mother shared, “My son listened to everything the doctor said. He became worried when I told him about the cost of surgery. So, he went with his sister to sell chocolates at school to raise money. My sonwants to be healthy and he knows we want him to be healthy too.”
Timoteo’s earns a variable income as a carpenter to cover the family’s basic expenses. The family was fortunate to be referred to the Puente de Solidaridad Pediatric Heart Surgery Program for assistance. Doctors at the Incor clinic worked to schedule Timoteo for the catheterization procedure to close the hole in his heart. The procedure went well, and he was released the following day.