Healing Children's Hearts in Nicaragua

Surgeons of Hope is looking ahead to continuing progress at our Pediatric Heart Center in Managua.  Our vision for 2020 is clear.  

In early January we will receive a regular periodic report from Dr. Mejia, Director of the Heart Center, describing the daily operations and how Nicaraguan children and their families are finding skilled help for congenital and acquired heart problems. In every case, operations or non-surgical solutions are provided to them free-of-charge.

Please understand that finding first-world care in their own country meant that they could remain in their home country without needing to travel on foot or by bus for thousands of miles hoping to obtain that care.

Our plans for 2020 will bring updates in training for the local medical team operating the catheterization department at the Heart Center, and in the spring, nurses will travel to the children’s hospital in Madrid to receive intensive training. Our team of volunteers from Spain have worked with us frequently to provide training for our Managua team.

You and our loyal GlobalGiving donors have supported our program from the start. The very real difference that you have made is measured in successful surgeries and continuing training that combine to make lasting progress.   

Thank you for keeping our vision focused and our progress clear. We will keep you informed throughout 2020.

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If you, our GlobalGiving friends and donors, could experience the amazing progress we have made at our Pediatric Heart Center of Nicaragua in Managua, you would be amazed.

Visiting teams sponsored by Surgeons of Hope visit regularly to update supplies, equipment and training. In August a team of 13 specialists from the country of Colombia visited the Center for a week of surgeries on 8 children ranging in age from newborn (heart the size of a walnut) to 15 years.

We wish you could have seen little Rosaura who at 7 years of age needed surgery on her heart to correct a defect she had had since birth. Her grandmother accompanied her because her mother was far away where she could find strenuous work to provide the money to care for her children. In the days leading up to her surgery, Rosaura could not stop crying.  She was frightened.  As it turned out, she was comforted by the Colombian team, her surgery was an amazing success. Her recovery was uncomplicated and speedy.  She went home.  And today she is leading the carefree life that every child deserves.

Little Yamil also had surgery that week at the hands of the Colombian team. He had lived his 8 years in his home village far south of Managua, near the ocean, playing in the streets and being at home with his mother. His weak heart had kept him from attending school. He could neither read nor write. Following his surgery, while he was visiting with Victoria, Surgeons of Hope’s executive director, and as he regained his strength rapidly, Victoria taught him how to write his name. Today, he is enrolled in school, making good progress.

The surgeons and team leader was Dr. Jairo and the cardiologist was Dr. Alberto. If only you could have seen them and seen the children who have all returned home to active childhoods. Rosaura and Yamil, and some of the other children, as well as the team, are pictured below.

Surgeons of Hope envisions a world where children are no longer afflicted with heart problems, where such problems are quickly and capably dealt with.  That vision inspires our organization and our medical teams.  

Thanks to our GlobalGiving donors, whether you are repeat supporters or first-time donors, our vision has become a reality in Nicaragua. Please continue your support and your loyalty to our work saving the lives of so many children like Yamil and Rosaura.

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• Read more about Surgeons of Hope