Thanks to All, Altagracia Has a New Heart

Last July, we reached out to find good hearted people to help save the life of Altagracia Pujols, a 27 year old young woman from the Dominican Republic who required an urgent cardiac surgery. We needed economic support to pay for her operation. The generosity of many friends of the Community of Saint Paul was well demonstrated again. We received the funds that she lacked for the procedure. The response was so overwhelming that the expenses of Altagracia's surgery were completely paid, with some money left over to for general use in our health center in Sabana Yegua.

There was a long waiting period, since Altagracia was underweight and had an infection that delayed the date for surgery. In addition, we had to find twelve blood donors. To those blood donors we want to express our sincere gratitude. Finally, on October 6, she had the operation in CECANOT, in Santo Domingo. The surgery was a wonderful success, and after some days of recuperation in intensive care and a hospital room, Altagracia was again in her home... happy with a healthy heart.

On behalf of Altagracia, her family and our team in the Dominican Republic, we thank you all... from the bottom of our hearts!

A Good Heart in Danger. Help is Needed!

Altagracia Pujols is a lovely 27 year old Dominican woman who has a critical heart problem: severe mitral valve insufficiency. This is a disorder in which the mitral valve does not close properly when the heart pumps out blood. Altagracia needs surgery urgently, but the family's insurance only covers 80% of the medical expenses. They need $3,500 in order to have the operation.

The Pujols family lives in KM 8 of Azua, a community of only 50 families, which belongs to the parish of La Sagrada Familia. The father, Alfonso, a mild-mannered but very active leader of the community, earns his living from a small produce farm and grazing a few cows. He has spent all of his savings on Altagracia's diagnostic testing. Now, humbly, the family is seeking financial help from businesses, public sources and private individuals so that Altagracia can have her operation.

Several generous people have already given financial support and, at this moment, only US$1,750 is needed to cover the cost of the operation. We hope and pray, with trust in the Lord, that this goal will be reached. If you can help, this is an opportunity to truly make an immediate difference in the lives of one family in need. You can contribute by clicking this link: DONATE

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support!