NEW YORK, New York, November 2, 2005. After undergoing a successful operation to correct a congenital cardiac malformation, Tetralogy de Fallot, Jhensi and his mother Hilda-Lisa headed back early this morning to their hometown, Sabana Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic. “…Thanks to BRA, my son is alive,” said Hilda to BRA’s CEO, Ulrick Gaillard, on her way to JFK airport.

Jhensi was brought to BRA’s mobile clinic at batey Cojobal in the province of Monte Plata early this year, and was referred to other specialists who diagnosed him with a rare heart disorder. After a determination that he could not be treated inside the Dominican Republic, BRA mobilized the US-based HeartGift to sponsor a free surgery for the child. Other supporters were the Group of Dominican Professionals in Washington DC, the United States Consulate in Santo Domingo, American Airlines and individual donors.

Before the child returned home, HeartGift provided the mother with his medical records. There are no specific follow-up care instructions. Jhensi is on two medications that HeartGift provided to the mother and he is to take them until they run out. Benadryl was also provided, as per the request of the mother, to give Jhensi at night to help him sleep.

Anticipating the medical needs of this young boy after such a major operation, BRA’s medical director, Raymond Thertulien, MD, PhD, has agreed to sponsor Jhensi’s follow-up cardiac care in the Dominican Republic. According to Dr. Thertulien “It falls within the realm of our [BRA] philosophy to provide comprehensive care to the people that we serve. Jhensi will likely require specialized cardiac care for the near future in addition to proper nutrition in order for him to thrive. We need to make sure after such an investment that he grows up as a healthy boy”.

Please make a gift to BRA to help impoverished children of the Dominican Republic receive life-saving heart surgeries in the United States. Contact us at bra@bateyrelief.org.