By Loli Fernandez | General Director
Paola grew up in the outskirts of Oaxaca, in a small home she shared with her mother and sister. Life had always been difficult, but even more so because Paola was born with a complex congenital heart condition that left her exhausted, breathless, and with no real treatment options near her community. For years she bent forward just to catch her breath, a posture that made other children tease her and call her “toad.” Her world felt small, limited by her illness and the circumstances around her.
Everything changed when, through a collaborative agreement, Paola was able to reach Kardias and finally receive the lifesaving surgery she had needed since birth. Thanks to the surgery that you, our donors, made possible with your generosity, Paola now has the strength and energy she never imagined. Today she laughs when she remembers those difficult moments, because now the children call her “roadrunner,” amazed at how fast she moves and how much joy she radiates. For the first time, her dreams feel within reach — especially her biggest one: becoming a veterinarian.
At just eleven years old, Paola is finally experiencing the childhood she never had. She no longer struggles to breathe, no longer sits on the sidelines, no longer feels defined by her condition. Instead, she runs, plays, learns, and lives fully — something that once seemed impossible. Thanks to your support, Paola is not only healthy; she is hopeful, joyful, and free to grow into the future she deserves.
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By Lola Fernandez | General Director
By Lola Fernandez | General Director
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