Chinese Infant Receives Heart Surgery
Prior to his surgery, Jiayuan suffered from serious health problems.
Post-surgery: Jiayuan is now happy, healthy and ready for adoption.
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CHINA - His large dark eyes and tight grip were a sharp contrast
to his pale face and weakened frame. Born with congenital heart disease and abandoned by
his parents, ten-month-old Jiayuan faced a grim future.
"In poor areas of China, parents know they cannot afford the corrective surgery and care
necessary to give their baby a chance at a healthy life," said an OBI China staff
member. "Abandoning their child at a hospital gate or front door of an orphanage seems like
the only choice."
Jiayuan was placed in the care of the Huhhot Welfare House, however the seriousness of his
heart condition caused him to suffer from poor nutrition in addition to other serious problems
such as anemia, a lung infection and digestive complications.
When OBI staff in Beijing heard about Jiayuan’s situation they were immediately moved by his
story and ordered a series of medical treatments to begin improving his health. Within a few
weeks, Jiauyan was ready for surgery and on December 1, 2005, underwent a successful operation
to correct his heart defect.
When OBI staff visited Jiayuan one week later, they found his condition much improved.
"We were greeted by a lively infant with ruddy cheeks, cheerfully crawling toward us," said an
OBI staff member. "His once hollowed eyes sparkled with life!"
"Please thank the donors who made this possible," said one of Jiayuan’s caregivers. "They have
brought health to this baby."
In addition to funding heart surgeries such as Jiayuan’s, OBI continues to sponsor cleft lip
and palate and other specialized surgeries as well as host free medical clinics in impoverished
provinces throughout China. Last month alone, over 5,000 residents in Henan, Shandong and Hunan
provinces received free medical check-ups and medicine, while 41 children received cleft lip and
palate surgeries.
How You Can Help Take part in bringing life-changing medical treatment to those in need! Whether it is specialized
heart surgeries like Jiayuan’s, cleft lip and palate surgeries for children battling birth
deformities or free medical clinics for hundreds who cannot afford the cost of medical care, your
financial gift is helping to bring relief to the hurting. |
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