Together, we are the Heartbeat of Hope

Over the past four months, the Heartbeat of Hope Project has continued its mission of bringing essential cardiac care and support to children living with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Venezuela. Through this initiative, Fundación Estrellita de Belén facilitates access to specialized pediatric cardiology care for children who might otherwise face significant barriers to diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The project is designed to reach up to 1,000 children, providing them with critical medical attention and helping families navigate the challenges of managing CHD.

During this reporting period, children received comprehensive support that extended beyond their cardiology consultations. Assistance included pediatric cardiology appointments, essential medical supplies, medications, laboratory testing, electrocardiograms (EKGs), echocardiograms when needed, and nutritional guidance. These services are particularly important for children who require ongoing monitoring of their heart conditions and for families who struggle to access specialized medical care. By helping cover these needs, the project provides families with both immediate assistance and continuity of care, allowing medical teams to better assess each child's condition and determine appropriate next steps.

The impact of this work is reflected in the experience of one mother whose daughter was diagnosed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PCA) during early childhood. Her daughter experienced severe symptoms, including extreme fatigue, episodes of turning blue, difficulty gaining weight, and convulsions. By 2020, the family was warned that her condition had become critical. Faced with the emotional and financial burden of her daughter's illness, her mother organized fundraisers and sought help wherever she could. With the support of Fundación Estrellita de Belén, physicians at Ascardio in Barquisimeto, and the team at the Children’s Cardiology Hospital in Caracas, her daughter was ultimately able to undergo surgery. Today, at eleven years old, she is described by her mother as their “greatest miracle”—a powerful reminder of what access to timely cardiac care can mean for a child and an entire family.

This work carries an especially meaningful significance following the recent passing of Belén Blanton, President and Founder of Fundación Estrellita de Belén. Belén dedicated her life to raising awareness about congenital heart disease and ensuring that children and families affected by CHD were not forgotten. Her commitment to education, advocacy, and compassionate caregiving was a lifelong passion and became the foundation of the organization's work. As the Foundation continues forward, the Heartbeat of Hope Project represents an important part of that legacy: continuing to bring care, hope, and opportunities for healthier futures to children with congenital heart disease.