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What happens when a small town family finds out that their energetic and spunky teenage daughter has to undergo open heart surgery? They turn to the village that supports and helps raise her to gain courage and comfort during their journey to recovery.
Mariah Barreras, a 13 year old student at Ruth Brown Elementary in Blythe, California, was recently diagnosed with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery (ALCA), a rare congenital heart defect that she's had since birth. ALCA occurs when the left coronary artery which carries blood to the heart, is connected to the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. It is a rare heart defect that comprises less than 1% of all congenital heart defects in children. Her heart defect was only recently detected during testing for diabetes related problems. We are all very fortunate they found this before tragedy occurred. Thank you, Jesus.
On Monday, January 4, 2016, Mariah will undergo open heart surgery at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California to repair the defect. Mariah's parents are Angel Barreras and Christina Gonzalez. Her mother Christina Gonzalez, a PVUSD part time employee and mother of four other children, will need to stay in San Diego for about 2 weeks. She will not be able to travel back to Blythe during that time. Upon her release from the hospital, her mother will not be able to return to work because she will need to care for Mariah while she recovers. Her father Angel Barreras, an employee at Palo Verde Irrigation District, will also require time off from work, hotel expenses, and many other expenses. During this emotional and financially hard time I am hoping, with your help, to give the family financial relief.
As a community I know that we will be able to all come together and help this family out. Please keep my dear friends in your prayers and give from your hearts. Thank you and may God bless you all!
Mariah Barreras, a 13 year old student at Ruth Brown Elementary in Blythe, California, was recently diagnosed with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery (ALCA), a rare congenital heart defect that she's had since birth. ALCA occurs when the left coronary artery which carries blood to the heart, is connected to the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. It is a rare heart defect that comprises less than 1% of all congenital heart defects in children. Her heart defect was only recently detected during testing for diabetes related problems. We are all very fortunate they found this before tragedy occurred. Thank you, Jesus.
On Monday, January 4, 2016, Mariah will undergo open heart surgery at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California to repair the defect. Mariah's parents are Angel Barreras and Christina Gonzalez. Her mother Christina Gonzalez, a PVUSD part time employee and mother of four other children, will need to stay in San Diego for about 2 weeks. She will not be able to travel back to Blythe during that time. Upon her release from the hospital, her mother will not be able to return to work because she will need to care for Mariah while she recovers. Her father Angel Barreras, an employee at Palo Verde Irrigation District, will also require time off from work, hotel expenses, and many other expenses. During this emotional and financially hard time I am hoping, with your help, to give the family financial relief.
As a community I know that we will be able to all come together and help this family out. Please keep my dear friends in your prayers and give from your hearts. Thank you and may God bless you all!