On behalf of HELPS International and the many patients that we serve throughout the year, we would like to convey a very big thank you to the Fundación Infantil Ronald McDonald de Guatemala and the Casa Ronald McDonald for taking care of  Marilena de Paz Brito.  Marilena's story is very moving, as is always the case with a young patient, but her story goes back to a time when Casa Ronald McDonald wasn't there to help her. 

Marilena's story began about seven years ago when she was seen by a medical team as a heart patient from Nebaj.  At that time, the HELPS medical volunteers were able to bring her to Guatemala City.  Dr. Aldo Castaneda had just returned to begin his work at UNICAR in Guatemala.  Through an amazing series of events, Marilena flew to the City with then President Arzu's advisors.  Her father just happened to be in the City to give permission for the procedure that Dr. Castaneda was available to do.   It's a long, wonderful story that can be summarized by saying that Dr. Castaneda and a pediatric heart team from Buffalo put a homograph in her heart--the first homograph to be used in Guatemala.

 Marilena's story doesn't end there, of course.   Because she has grown into a beautiful young woman, the homograph needs to be enlarged now.  She is currently undergoing tests prior to the surgery for the new homograph.  We understand that Dr. Castaneda has scheduled her surgery for the morning of August 7 and we look forward to a wonderful outcome again so that Marilena can return to her music studies in Quetzaltenango.  We are grateful to everyone who  has helped Marilena throughout these many years, and we are proud to be associated with the individuals and organizations, like Fundación Infantil Ronald McDonald, that enable HELPS to ensure the highest quality care available for patients from remote rural areas. 

Contributions toward Marilena's surgery costs can be donated under project number 131.