Care for a Child's Heart

Although the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted activities for several months in 2020. We are pleased to report successful surgeries were completed in the past quarter on several needy patients. Patients travelled to India and Tanzania to have surgical procedures. 

Two patients went to India:

     Baby Omar was diagnosed with a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a large hole between the two lower chambers of his heart- at seven months of age. He had successful open heart surgery at MIOT Hospital in India on November 11, 2020 which resulted in his full recovery. He has not suffered from any complications since his return to Kenya.

     Baby Alva born June 26, 2020 was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a hole between the two lower chambers his heart. He had successful open heart surgery at Fortis Escorts hospital in New Delhi, India on December 12, 2020.

Six patients went to Tanzania:

     Five-year-old Christian was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot (TOF) - a combination of heart defects at the age of two. He received lifesaving surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in October 2020.

     Four-year-old Edna, is the last born of three sisters. She was diagnosed with a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a large hole between the two lower chambers his heart at seven months of age. She underwent successful surgery in November 2020 at the Jakaya Kikwete Heart Institute in Tanzania.

     Thirteen-year-old Irene was diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot (TOF)- a combination of heart defects.  She needed surgical intervention. Irene had her surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Heart Institute on December 14, 2020.

     Eleven-year-old Malik is the first born of seven siblings. He was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a hole between the two lower chambers his heart-. His doctor recommended open heart surgery, closure of the VSD, and resection of the subaortic fibrous ridge. He underwent successful surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Tanzania in December 2020.

     Ten-month-old Mira is the second born of three siblings. She was diagnosed with a large Perimembranous Ventricular Septal defect (VSD) - a hole between the two lower chambers her heart and needed corrective heart surgery. She underwent successful surgery in Tanzania at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in December 2020.

     Twelve-year-old Tina was first diagnosed with a dilated heart and later diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) - a hole between the two lower chambers her heart. In December 2020, she underwent successful surgery at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Tanzania.

Other successful activities to end the year 2020 included:

• 24 families were accommodated at the Family Care Center. 
• 22 patients received various cardiac medicine.
• 44 children received medical reviews.
• 7 children’s National Hospital Insurance were paid for by CFACH
• 7 Home visits were successfully made.

Care for a Child’s Heart and Children and Charity International are forever thankful for the sponsorship of HeartGift in making these surgeries possible. Also, gracious thanks to the hospitals, surgeons, medical staff, patients, caregivers, and all other support received especially during this trying coronavirus pandemic period. We feel blessed that so many children were helped and are now on the mend.

We look to continuing this critical work during 2021 and wish everyone, A Happy New Year!

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic greatly impacted how we were able to interact, and the level of service we could provide for our patients. Since people were advised to shelter in place and maintain social distancing, many patients were unable to get regular check-ups and needed treatment. However, although in crisis during the past months, Care for a Child’s Heart was able to provide 21 patients with medicine; 6 patients and their families were given shelter and accommodation at the Family Support Center for a total of 182 nights; and 10 new patients were referred to CFACH for needed heart treatment.

Also, the President of CFACH, Solomon 'Solo' Musyimi is running 2020 Kilometres (approx 1255 Miles) this year to raise US $50 000 (Approx Ksh. 5 000 000) for CFACH programs. For every 1 Mile Solomon runs, he makes an incredible difference in the life of an indigent Kenyan child suffering from congenital heart disease. It would be great to have you run with him or contribute to his efforts to save a child's life.

As the pandemic is controlled, and the situation improves, CACH is looking forward to welcoming back all patients, and resuming full service.Care for a Child’s Heart and CAC are grateful to all partners, funders, and supporters that continue to believe in our work and the impact it has on many lives.  Your continued donation to this worthy cause that influences lives of deserving children and families in Kenya is truly appreciated. Partnerships and support from benefactors are pertinent to growth in our organizations. Thank you.