Celia

I was blessed and caring for 10 year old Celia.  Her chief complaint was that her mother didn’t think she was growing fast enough and was always tired.  On exam she had a loud heart murmur and chest pain with activity.  The mother then shared that last year a sibling brought Celia to the clinic that had come to Sumpango and was told “she had a bad heart” but without money she just watched her.  She heard about our clinic and brought her in for an exam.  God blessed our team with Dr. Nick, who brought an ultrasound machine so he did an echo cardiogram.  It appears she has PDA(patent ductus arteriosis).  The mother again explained that she has no money.  I spoke with Oscar Chiquito whom thought there may be a services available in Guatemala City but to check with Dr. Paredes.  At dinner Wednesday, Dr. Paredes joined our team.  I asked about how we could help Celia and he will be calling his pediatric cardiology friend, but feels all the tests and part or all of the surgery will be free through a program he is aware of.  Thanks be to God.  Please pray for Celia that she will receive the needed surgery and can lead a normal functioning life.  Provide support and comfort to her family as they move forward, working through the tests.

~Diane