Mended Hearts
Kenawak – 9 years old – Ethiopia
Kenawak’s mom knew immediately that there was something was wrong with her baby boy when he was born. He struggled to breathe and would turn blue around his eyes when he cried. Kenawak was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta, a congenital birth defect where a part of the aorta is narrower than usual blocking normal blood flow to the body. At 9-months-old, Kenawak had a procedure in Canada to repair his coarctation using cardiac catheterization. By using this method, he didn’t have to undergo open heart surgery, but the doctors advised his mom that around age ten, Kenawak would most likely need to have another surgery. Fast forward eight years, Kenawak’s family contacted HeartGift and he was accepted for his second procedure. Thanks to the medical team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Kenawak’s surgery went smoothly and he healed quickly. Afterwards, he went to the beach for the very first time and learned even how to fish! Kenawak has a very bright future ahead of him.
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News & Events
Patient Updates
Jallah
Jallah was eight-months old when he came to New Orleans in 2013. He recently graduated from Kindergarten and continues thrive.
Jeran
Jeran was our youngest Louisiana HeartGift child when he arrived in June 2015 at only six-months old. Today is healthy and keeps his mother very busy chasing after him.
Yaszy
Yaszy loves to play dress up and try on different clothes. Future Miss Philippines maybe?
Moufdi
Moufdi spent much of his time before he came to Louisiana in 2014 worried about his health and his heart defect. Four years later, however, he is healthy and focused on being the world’s best big brother!
Staff
Stephanie Berault
Executive Director Louisiana
Erica Yaeger
Patient Coordinator LouisianaCommunity Impact Board
Our Louisiana chapter is lead by a team dedicated to changing lives
Rick Danielson
Louisiana Board Chair
Sandra Cahill
Treasurer
Deb Frilot
Secretary
Tim Aubin
Shelly Breaux
Jonathan Brouk
Mark W. Brown
Rev. Deogratias Ekisa
John Herren
Maureen Huguley
Ahmad Jabbar, MD
Emad Jabbar
Claire Koch
Katherine C. Miller, MEd, ATC, LAT
Marye Nickens
Emily Nykaza
Timothy Pettitt, M.D.
Lyle Pocha
Mike Rase
Doris Schutte
