MAKHOSI MICHAELA FOUNDATION

On behalf of the Makhosi Michaela Foundation (MMF),

I am excited to share an extraordinary opportunity to transform lives through our Heart to Heart Surgical Mission & Program happening in Harare, ZIMBABWE beginning on March 21st, 2025.

THE NEED:

In sub-Saharan Africa, children with Down syndrome face significant challenges, particularly when born with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Studies show that up to 50% of children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, such as atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD), which can often require immediate surgical intervention. However, limited access to healthcare and medical resources in the region often leaves these children without critical care, leading to high rates of preventable complications and early mortality.

This is where our Heart to Heart Surgical Mission comes in. We are thrilled to announce that the program is set for March 21, 2025, and will be hosted at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Zimbabwe, in partnership with Cardiac Alliance, based in Memphis, Tennessee. Cardiac Alliance will send a team of 16 medical professionals, led by renowned pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. William Novick, to perform life-saving surgeries and provide essential training to local healthcare providers. This mission will empower Zimbabwe’s medical community while offering children the chance for healthier, more fulfilling lives. Over 7 days, the team hopes to operate on up to 15 children and literally SAVE LIVES.

We NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS MISSION A REALITY. We are reaching out to generous partners like you to help us make this mission a success. Your support will make a direct impact by helping to:

Here’s how money given will be used in the Heart to Heart Surgical Mission:

LIFE-SAVING SURGERIES

Donations directly fund critical heart surgeries for children with Down syndrome, covering costs like operating room expenses, anesthesia, and specialized medical equipment.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Contributions help purchase consumable supplies such as sutures, gloves, bandages, and medicines required for the surgeries and post-operative care.

PATIENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

Funds are used to cover transportation, accommodations, and meals for children and their families, ensuring they can access the care they need without additional financial stress.

MEDICAL TEAM SUPPORT

Donations cover airfare, lodging, and meals for the 16-member medical team traveling to Zimbabwe, enabling them to focus on delivering expert care.

Training for Local Healthcare Providers:

A portion of the funds is allocated to empowering local medical professionals with hands-on training, ensuring sustainable cardiac care in the region.

Every dollar contributes to transforming lives, bringing hope, and creating lasting change for children and their families.

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Makhosi Michaela Foundation (MMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in Charlotte, NC, and registered as a Community Veritas Zimbabwe, Africa where our beneficiaries are. We are dedicated to raising awareness, funds, and resources for children and adults with Down syndrome in Zimbabwe. Our mission is to promote inclusivity and improve the lives of children and their families diagnosed with Down syndrome, through education, advocacy, therapies, and programs as well as financial support.