Arturo's Marathon: newborn's "heart" fight

Bottom Line

Doctors have informed week-old baby Arturo’s family that he has only four days left before any hope of recovery is completely eradicated. With your support, we can generate enough funding to safely fly Arturo to Texas Children’s Hospital where he can receive the care that he does not have access to in his native Costa Rica.

We are aware that this is a hefty ask, and we are greatly appreciative of any and all support we can receive at this time to save Arturo’s life. Arturo has been a long-awaited blessing to his family and they are intent on keeping him in their lives forever.

Arturo’s Story

For the past six years of Jorge and Catherine’s marriage, they have prayed for a baby. After many years of struggle, they welcomed their miracle into this world last Thursday: Arturo. The next day, they brought their beautiful, healthy baby boy home and shared their joy with their families and friends who all excitedly awaited his arrival.

At four days old, they faced every parent's worst nightmare: a heart murmur the doctors detected has turned out to be a serious heart condition and needs life saving surgery immediately - he has only four days to live before his condition becomes fatal.

Arturo was diagnosed with a severe form of aortic stenosis and a severe aortic valve disease and his parents were told that the hospitals in their home of Costa Rica are not equipped to provide him with the life saving surgery he needed. They were also told that if he did not receive the surgery immediately, he would die.

The only course of action to save Arturo’s life is to fly him to a hospital in Texas to receive the life saving surgery that he needs. Arturo’s parents scrambled to secure an air ambulance to get Arturo to the hospital in time to receive the surgery and today, hours before the flight was scheduled to take off, the hospital told them that they would not give Arturo the surgery without a $500,000 deposit. The air ambulance was canceled and another day of the precious remaining days Arturo has left has been squandered.

Catherine and Jorge have worked hard to build a life for the baby that they prayed for for years, but unfortunately their child’s life is being threatened by a medical system that refuses to acknowledge humanity before monetary constraints.

Arturo’s mother, Catherine, is an American citizen although one week old Arturo has, understandably, not had a chance to become an American citizen at the time of writing.

Costs

Amidst the tragic circumstances of Arturo’s condition, his family cannot access the vital medical support required to save his life.

So far, the hospital fees are equivalent to $700,000 and an air ambulance would require $40,000. Insurance will cover only $250,000 of the total.

At this pivotal moment, we appreciate any kindness and generosity you can show to help us give Arturo the best chance of survival.

NOTE: After a week of monumental joy followed by devastating hardship, Jorge and Catherine are understandably overwhelmed by your generosity as well as the circumstances of their current situation. We endeavor to respond to any and all questions in a timely manner but appreciate your patience in the meantime.

UPDATE: Minutes ago, Arturo’s family was informed that the $500,000 deposit would no longer be required. After a day wasted fighting for Arturo’s right to access healthcare, the family has been left feeling more vulnerable than ever before. Please help us in securing the funds necessary to ensure that monetary constraints do not limit the opportunities Arturo has to seek life-saving solutions.