A Birthday Wish for Alexa Comes True!

For most parents, a child’s birthday is filled with hope for the future. But not for Alexa. She been born with a hold in her heart. “She went to the cardiologist every year around her birthday,” recalled her mother, Jackelline. “At first, they said the hole could close on its own with treatment. And every time he said the hole had gotten bigger."

And every year, Alexa’s health got worse. “She did not grow or gain weight despite what we gave her. And even with the heart medicine the hole did not close,” said Jackelline. “Her heart was always beating too fast. And she was tired all the time.”

Meanwhile, Alexa’s condition was taking a toll on the whole family, including her dad, Carlos. “We cried when they told us that she urgently needed surgery,” said Carlos. “The doctor said if Alexa was not operated on in a year or so that she would possibly die. I didn't want to hear that news.”

Both Jackelline and Carlos worked hard to save for their daughter’s surgery. Carlos knew there would never be enough. “It's impossible with the salaries we have, even joining the two together. Even if we join my brother’s salary or the whole family’s income there would never be enough to pay for this surgery without help,” explained Carlos.

Then they received the news they’d been praying for. Operation Blessing paid for Alexa to receive open heart surgery at the only heart hospital in El Salvador.
“It was very emotional for us because we saw that this was a miracle for our daughter—that she would be healthy,” said Jackelline. “I will be forever grateful to the people who made this surgery possible and for restoring our peace of mind. We thank God and Operation Blessing for helping us.”