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Repairing a Broken Heart: Aaron Pratt’s story from Bahamas
– Reported, February 11, 2012
Aaron Pratt is a nine year old heart patient. He had heart surgery six months after he was born. His grandmother noticed he was having difficulty breathing and took him to a private doctor. He was later admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital and referred to Dr. Jerome Lightbourne, pediatric cardiologist at PMH.
Dr. Lightbourne told Aaron’s mother, Ms. Brown, that Aaron had septal defects (holes in his heart) and needed urgent surgery. In fact, Aaron had holes in the upper and lower chambers of his heart. He had both ASD and VSD, atrial and ventricular septal defect.
Dr. Lightbourne told Aaron’s mother, Ms. Brown, that Aaron had septal defects (holes in his heart) and needed urgent surgery. In fact, Aaron had holes in the upper and lower chambers of his heart. He had both ASD and VSD, atrial and ventricular septal defect.
Because of Aaron’s small size he had to be given medication to help him grow before he could have a surgery. Additionally the surgery could not be done locally.
Despite the fact that Ms. Brown was working, she could not afford heart care for Aaron and he was not insured. She needed assistance and trusted God to lead the way.
Dr. Lightbourne referred Ms Brown to The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation to obtain support and assistance with Aaron’s surgeries. With the help of the Heart Foundation, after Aaron had gained sufficient weight, his mother was able to take him to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
The septal defects were corrected with open heart surgery in 2002 using a lapping or patching method.
“Knowing that people care deeply for you, not knowing who you are, is touching, at such a hard time. I encourage the public to give their financial support to The Heart Foundation. You never know when heart disease can affect your family or what position you’ll be in at that time,” said Ms Brown.
The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps to repair the heart of persons in The Bahamas, primarily children. They depend heavily on the generosity of others to help those who cannot ordinarily afford heart care.
Over 97 per cent of all funds raised go directly to heart care. At present there are 11 children awaiting heart surgeries, who are depending on The Heart Foundation to raise funds to assist them.
As it is only the start of the year, it is anticipated that many more children will need heart care throughout the year and some may need same day treatment.
As the fund raising arm of The Heart Foundation, The Heart Ball Committee hosts two major fund raisers annually: The Annual Heart Ball and The Annual Tea Party and Fashion Show.
The Annual Heart Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Sheraton Nassau. Tickets for regular seating is $250 per person. Highlights of the evening include: the presentation of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award, an in-house raffle, table prizes and an in-house auction. There will also be live performances by the SG Band, The Ed Brice Orchestra, and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Dance Band
Credits: The Tribune
More Information at:
http://www.tribune242.com/features/health/01242011_Aaron-Pratt_features_pg9
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