Dale Candela Paraguay

We, Sirlene (29) and Edgar (29), are a Paraguayan family excited to meet our unborn child, Candela (35 weeks old); who was diagnosed (at 17 weeks) with a complex congenital heart defect known as Left Hypoplastic Heart Syndrome.  Due to this condition, Candela, who is still growing inside Sirlene’s body, has developed the right side of her heart only (i.e. the left side of her heart was not developed).  Candela needs our help to undergo certain surgeries that will allow the right side of her heart to function like a normal heart and live a long life with a full healthy heart, after birth.

Due to great misinformation in our country, Paraguay, we did not know that there was a chance to get Candela life-saving surgeries until she was 28 weeks and that these have a 95% success rate, at Boston Children’s Hospital (USA)! 

Sadly, such surgeries are extremely complex and are not practiced in our country of residence, so our only chance is to take Candela abroad to undergo them. However, due to the intensive care needs and complexity of the surgeries, the costs for the treatment are very high; approximately US$ 500.000. Although we both are professionals and full-time employees, the reality of our country in terms of salaries is completely different from the United States. Therefore, this economic reality prevents us to meet the full cost of the treatment and surgeries. which is the reason why we are appealing for your help. Thankfully we already raised half of the amount needed through a local campaign in our country.

The treatment that Candela needs to undertake consists of 3 surgeries - that will help the right side of her heart fulfill the function of a normal heart – within the first three years of her life: 

• The first surgery (Norwood) is expected to be within days of her birth; 

• The second surgery within the first 6 months of her life; and 

• The third and last surgery is due when she is around 3 years old. 

Doctors have informed to us that, without these surgeries, Candela won’t be able to survive long after birth.  Fortunately, Candela is already a miracle!  She is doing a tremendous job fighting for her life; she grows and gains weight normally in spite of her condition. She is a fighter waiting to tell her story to the world and we are confident that she will.

As Candela’s parents, we are betting on Candela´s life. It is up to us and your generosity to give a little of our hearts to complete the half of the heart that Candela needs to survive.

We invite you to learn more about us, our history, and our campaign at Candela’s social networks: Instagram and Facebook.

With your help, we trust that Candela will get to tell her story one day and we will be forever grateful to you for saving our daughter’s life.

We send to you all our love from Paraguay to wherever you are from, 

Edgar Armoa & Sirlene Acosta