This is Alexander. He's an 8-year-old Kenyan boy who has atrial septal defect (ASD) — a hole in the wall between the upper chambers of his heart which, if the hole is large enough, can lead to heart failure.
Alexander is in the third grade and is the youngest child in a family of five. Because his heart has been pumping deoxygenated blood to his growing body for his entire life, Alexander is smaller than most children his age.
In August 2008 a pediatrician noticed that Alexander has a heart murmur which lead to the diagnosis of ASD. He recommended a cardiac catheterization procedure and open heart surgery — an operation that costs $8,303.
But Alexander’s parents are peasant farmers, and his mother sells fruit at the market to earn extra income. They survive on only $13.70 per month. They can't afford the operation.
At this point, heart failure is a real possibility for Alexander. However, studies have shown that patients with a surgically repaired ASD have an excellent prognosis, particularly when the operation is done before the age of 25.
I heard about Alexander's situation when Compassion International Twittered about his financial need. As of Tuesday evening, May 19, they had raised $3,450. But obviously more money still needs to be raised.
I'm asking my readers to please consider donating to this very worthy cause. Every little bit counts. Pass up your next latte and help this little boy lead a better life.
Please.
