The anticipation was apparent at Ruth Paz Hospital this morning. The first day of surgeries – two surgical patients had come on Sunday afternoon to prep for their surgeries – Josue and Deysi.
Both children had VSDs - ventricular septal defects -- a hole in the heart, is a common heart defect that's present at birth (congenital). The hole occurs in the wall that separates the heart's lower chambers (septum) and allows blood to pass from the left to the right side of the heart. The oxygen-rich blood then gets pumped back to the lungs instead of out to the body, causing the heart to work harder. (mayoclinic.org)
Josue is almost two years old – and he was not smiling when visited in the pre-op ward. His mama was smiling; can you imagine what was going through her mind? Her concern for her son and yet the promise that he could be made well.
A little smile was coaxed from Deysi – just eight months old; Deysi was removed from her home because of severe malnutrition. She now lives with a foster family – Todd and Wendy – who care for her, three other foster children and their own four children. Currently they have the help of an intern from the US, Jennice. Their love for the children of Honduras radiates and encourages those of us who come for short-term missions.
Josue arrived in the ICU around 2:00 pm and the team worked to get him stabilized. In the meantime, Genesis, who was seen originally in the Cath Lab at Cemesa, was brought to Ruth Paz for an additional surgical procedure.
Deysi was brought to her room in ICU at 6:00 pm and the day ended for the surgical team around 10:30 pm when Genesis was returned to her room.
'
Over in the cath lab at Cemesa, three catheterizations were performed; all therapeutic.
As I write, it’s 6:00 am. The team has gathered to have breakfast and return to both Ruth Paz and Cemesa Hospital for another day of making the world a little better… one little heart at a time.
