Romania Day Five: Hearts Healed, Futures Bright
As the week draws to a close, our dedication in Romania keeps spirits high. Today marked the end of surgeries for the week, and tomorrow, we’ll return for final check-ups, ensuring each little heart is ready for the next chapter of its healing journey before handing over care to the local team!
Nurse John Albers with Evelina.
Healing Onward: Vlad and Matias
Originally we planned eight surgeries for the week, but we will finish the week with ten!
Our first story starts with Vlad! Vlad is a four year old child who arrived at Grigore Alexandrescu Emergency Children’s Hospital for an orthopedic surgery. During his pre-operative screening, a ventricular septal defect (VSD) was discovered. The orthopedic surgeons told Vlad’s mother he could not have surgery for his foot until his congenital heart disease had been healed. Fortunately, our team was here to answer that need!
Vlad and his mother after his preoperative echocardiogram.
Vlad’s mother brought him to us for evaluation, and he proved to be an excellent surgical candidate. He was added to our schedule, and Vlad underwent successful heart surgery today.
The second child we operated on today was Matias!
Matias’ journey echoes Vlad’s. Matias went to the doctor for a sports physical, eager to pursue soccer! It was during this routine check-up that an atrial septal defect (ASD) was detected. Recognizing our presence at the hospital, Matias’ first doctor referred him to our team.
Matias waiting for surgery.
Matias arrived with his father, initially for a catheterization procedure. However, further screening revealed the ASD was too large for a device closure, requiring him to have surgery instead. Before his operation, we had the pleasure of connecting with Matias and his father. We learned about his love for Cristiano Ronaldo and his love for KFC and McDonald’s!
Matias talking with CEO Rob Raylman and Rotarian Sophie Stone.
Both Matias and his father were a joy to speak with. We are deeply gratified to have played a role in healing Matias’ heart, paving the way for his return to the soccer field, stronger than ever!
Matias and his father before surgery.
The Gift of a Healing Hearts Keeps Giving
Do you remember sixteen-year-old Stephania, our second surgical patient this week? Her recovery is progressing beautifully! Stephania has now moved to a lower floor to complete her hospital stay. Despite the difference in floors, our team continues to visit her, and she often comes to see us, ensuring her spirits remain high.
Stephania is from Curtea de Argeș, a four-hour train ride from Bucharest. Stephania shared with us stories of her life with her mother, father, and younger sister. She told us about how she lives with six cats at home, and is neighbors with her grandmother and aunt. Stephania is a talented photographer, already booked for her aunt’s wedding, and has more plans for business, including capturing her cousin’s birthday and wedding this year, alongside other paid events!
Among her other creative talents, Stephania is also a skilled crocheter. While awaiting discharge, she crafted heartfelt gifts for the nurses, doctors, and volunteers who supported her healing journey. This evening, she returned to the ICU with her homemade gifts.
Stephania handing out her first surprise gifts.
Stephania presented each team member with a small, crocheted heart allowing everyone to choose between blue, green, and yellow. Her joy in sharing her craft with her newfound friends was infectious! Stephania is remarkable!
Asha Owens, Stephania, and Nurse Michaela with their new little hearts!
Nurse John Albers stands with Stephania and his new little heart!
Stephania gifts her crochet hearts to Dr. Francesco Santoro and Dr. Elena Ribera.
The Week Comes to an End in Romania
Tomorrow marks our final day in Romania. We will conduct one last round of check-ups, entrusting the ongoing care of the children to the dedicated local medical team. Join us for our final update tomorrow, where we’ll share the progress of all our young patients and offer a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that makes these life-changing missions possible. Thanks for reading!
