This page was translated automatically. The German original is binding. Read the German original
Jhasmin Paredes
Jhasmin Paredes was born in La Paz. Even during her first year of life, her mother suspected she might have a heart defect. Jhasmin tired easily and had difficulty breathing. When she was two years old, the paediatrician diagnosed a heart defect. He advised her mother to consult a paediatric cardiologist. The worried mother took her daughter to the paediatric cardiology clinic at the children’s hospital in La Paz.
At that time, there was no cardiac ultrasound machine at the Children’s Hospital in La Paz. Although the cardiologist requested a cardiac ultrasound scan, her parents could not afford to have the test carried out at private clinics.
Jhasmin’s condition deteriorated. In October 2015, her mother took Jhasmin back to the children’s hospital.
The girl underwent her first ultrasound scan. The diagnosis: ventricular septal defect. The paediatric cardiologist treating her recommended open-heart surgery. The heart surgery must be carried out at the Belgian Clinic in Cochabamba and costs approximately 7,000 EUR. Armed with the results, her mother sought help from the Heart Association. The family is dependent on financial support. Jhasmin’s parents both work in the informal sector. Both her father and mother work as tailors on the outskirts of the city. Their wages are barely enough to feed the family. They will spend their savings of 1,000 EUR on the heart surgery.
Jhasmin has two older siblings who are currently studying. The family of five lives in a small social housing flat on the outskirts of La Paz. The Paredes family is completely overwhelmed by the cost of the operation.
Jhasmin hopes to have the operation soon. She cannot take part in sports because she gets tired quickly. She is in Year 2 and wants to play football with the other children in her class during break time.
Thanks to your generous support, we can give Jhasmin a chance at life!
Thank you very much!