Mended Hearts
Destinee – 18 months old – Belize
Destinee was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD), a hole in the wall that separates the heart’s lower chambers. She successfully underwent open-heart surgery under the care of pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. John Calhoon and the team at University Health in San Antonio. Immediately, Destinee was full of energy and recovered at light speed. Three short weeks later, she and her mom returned to Belize to begin living her best life!
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With your support we will continue to save precious lives, one HeartGift at a time.
News & Events
Patient Updates
Andres Rodriguez, Honduras
After Andres had his HeartGift Surgery last October, he returned to Honduras with his mother Indira to celebrate his 5th birthday! He has been doing amazing and Indira shared that he “Had the best checkup of his life!” recently.
Bilegt Enkhbayar, Mongolia
Great news! Bilegt and his mother Oyun are both doing great in Mongolia! Bilegt had a massive hole between his ventricles and at 4 months old had to be rushed to San Antonio for his HeartGift Surgery in May of 2018. Upon recovery, the amazing team at University Hospital discovered a metabolic condition hindering his recovery which was masked by his congenital heart defect. Our local doctors were able to share their finding with his doctors in Mongolia and he continues to improve. Also while in San Antonio, his mother Oyun also got sick and needed surgical intervention, after a long recovery she is also doing much better and was able to take Bilegt to the local museum.
Komal, Uganda
After turning 3 years old shortly after her HeartGift surgery, Komal returned home to Uganda and is thriving. Her recent check-up results couldn’t have been much better and she is happy to be home with her family in Uganda.
Quinton Tumuhimbise, Uganda
Ever smiling, Quinton Tumuhimbise, has happily returned to his family in Uganda. He continues to gain strength and weight as his appetite continues to grow. He is very excited about returning to school and his favorite subject is Mathematics and loves to play soccer with his friends for as long as he is allowed.
Staff
Irene Turnbull-May
Executive Director San AntonioCommunity Impact Board
Our San Antonio chapter is lead by a team of volunteers dedicated to changing lives.
Jessica Bess
San Antonio Board Chair
Charlie Cowles
Treasurer
Chuck Brown
Charlie Deacon
Jimi Ellis
Leni Kirkman
Lawrence Kostiw
Allison Hays Lane
Danny Nino
Kelly Preston
Madge Rashell
Shehmir Sherali
