Show Jackie's Heart Some Love!

Dear friends, family, and generous supporters

I’m reaching out to you with a heavy heart and finding it difficult to ask for donations since it is something I’ve never done. However, my sense of compassion and empathy is a force greater than my pride. I’m seeking your support on behalf of my incredible niece, Jackie, who I love as if she were my daughter and holds a very special place in my heart. Jackie is a medical school student and an intern in one of the public hospitals in the country of Panama. She is also preparing to take the medical exam in May.

Jackie lives in Panama and was recently given devastating news. At just 25 years old, a coronary angiography confirmed she was born with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA) also known as Bland White Garland. Normally, the left and right coronary arteries, originate from the aorta and supply blood with oxygen to the heart muscle. With this very rare congenital heart malformation, the left coronary artery arises from the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. As a result, the left side of the heart receives blood without oxygen. When the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, the malformed heart muscle cannot pump effectively leading to heart failure. The ALCAPA syndrome cause is unknown often detected at birth and extremely rare in adults.

On January 29, while jogging with a friend, Jackie had a cardiac pulmonary arrest and collapsed. During a cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, and the blood supply to vital organs, including the brain, decreases rapidly. This lack of blood and oxygen can lead to severe damage or death. In the crucial moment, her friend and guardian angel performed CPR until paramedics arrived saving her life.

Doctors have determined that Jackie needs an Arterial Transposition with Coronary Reimplantation operation. There is no other way to put it - without the surgery, my niece will die. Unfortunately, no doctor in Panama has performed this type of surgery in adults. Jackie was referred to a renowned congenital cardiology surgeon at the LaCardio Foundation in Bogota, Colombia. The estimated cost of the hospital, related expenses, and surgeon fees is $35,000. An additional $15,000 may be required if an air ambulance is needed. Jackie comes from a hard-working family, and in pursuing her education she took a student loan and has no health insurance.

Jackie possesses an unmatched personality loved by those who have the luck to meet her. She wants to become a skilled doctor fueled by the desire to help others recover their health. She has always faced life with courage and resilience, and now Jackie needs our help. Your generous contributions will go directly towards covering her medical expenses, ensuring she receives the needed life-saving care. The amount of your contribution is irrelevant. Every penny counts! Your donations will make a significant impact on Jackie’s road to recovery. To have survived this rare disease undetected until adulthood and regain consciousness after a sudden death is a miracle. Her story is a true testimony of the existence of a power that is greater than ourselves.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your networks to help reach our goal and provide the financial support she urgently needs.

With love, gratitude, and a humble heart,

Doris