Michael is a beautiful baby who likes playing with blocks and waving his arms in time to music. Michael has a cardiac condition called tricuspid atresia: he was born without one of the four valves that is normally present in the heart. As a result, blood cannot flow through his lungs and body normally, leaving him sick and short of breath.
On March 1st, Michael will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will perform a technique called a Glenn procedure to create a conduit to allow blood to bypass the missing valve and more easily circulate through Michael’s body. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5,000 to pay for surgery, but Michael’s family is still in need of $1,500 and have turned to the Watsi community for support.
Michael’s mother says: “It has been very frightening to see my son have such difficulty breathing, and I am so glad we can finally find a way to help him.”