In Uganda, We Help Nsimire Get Life-Saving Heart Surgery!
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: October 21, 2024
I am incredibly happy to share that… Thanks to the support of this community and our amazing partner, Gift of Life International, we just helped Nsimire, a courageous 8-year old girl, undergo a life-saving cardiac procedure in Uganda!!!
Nsimire suffered from severe patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) which is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. PDA is a congenital heart defect that is present from birth. Symptoms of PDA include poor physical growth, persistent fast breathing or breathlessness, fatigue and rapid heart rate. Untreated PDA leads to hypertension, endocarditis and heart failure. Treatment of PDA involves the use of a small device that remains permanently implanted in the heart. Over time, the body’s natural healing process covers the device with tissue.
How Did We Learn About Nsimire?
On July 31, 2024, I received an email from Robert Sengooba. In his note, Robert shared, “My 8 year-old my daughter, Nsimire, has a severe heart problem. She was recommended for surgery. But, we cannot afford to pay for the surgery. Can you please help me?”
I wanted to help. I needed to help. So, I reached out to Gift of Life International, which previously helped us sponsor the life-saving cardiac surgeries of six amazing children in third-world countries. Within a very short timeframe, I was very fortunate to connect Robert, Nsimire’s dad, to Rob Raylman, the CEO of Gift of Life.
Gift of Life is a wonderful, non-profit organization that has helped more than 52,000 children in over 80 countries across 5 continents get treatment for heart disease. In 2023, Gift of Life organized the treatment of more than 5,000 children in just one year!
To determine whether-or-not Gift of Life could help Nsimire, Robert completed the “Refer a Child” form at the Gift of Life website.
Nsimire’s Surgery Scheduled!
Shortly after submitting the financial support request to Gift of Life, Nsimire’s family learned the great news that Nsimire would be having heart surgery at the Uganda Heart Institute. Here is a video from Nsimire thanking us for helping her get a sponsorship for the upcoming surgery.
After arriving at the Uganda Heart Institute in early October, Robert sent us this picture of Nsimire as she was given a room to rest prior to surgery.
Nsimire’s Surgery Update
Last Friday, I awoke to fantastic news. In an email, Robert shared with me, “God is good all the time. Surgery was successful apart from they told me in the process they damaged a certain vessel that should heal. But, Nsimire can recognize us. She is talking with mummy and daddy. She is still in the intensive care unit (ICU).”
A few days later, we received another fantastic update from Robert, “Hello Adam, Nsimire is improving. She can eat, drink and she is joking with us. Yesterday, she told me that she likes to eat chicken and I bought chicken that Nsimire enjoyed.”
And the next day, Robert shared with me more good news, “Doctors told me everything is ok – lungs, heart, respiration is ok! Even blood pressure is stabilized. Thanks to God.”
Thank You From Nsimire’s Dad!
As a parent, I know the vulnerable and dislocating experience of having a child struggle with a life-threatening health concern. It is pure unimaginable to see your child suffer.
That said, when the good news of Nsimire’s surgical success was shared, my inbox lit up with a wonderful note from Robert, Nsimire’s dad. I wanted to share it with all of you as we continue to come together and make a difference in the lives of people who so desperately need help.
In his email, Robert stated, “We shall never forget the people at HeartValveSurgery.com and Gift of Life International. Thanks for responding to my emails. You really you did a wonderful, amazing thing for our Nsimire and our family. May God bless you all. We shall keep in touch. Thank you!”
Related Links:
- We Help Johan Get A Healthy Heart
- Patrick Readies for Heart Surgery in Uganda
- Mohammad Gets Life-Saving Heart Surgery
- On Thanksgiving, We Help Give Life to Lil’ Alfred
- After COVID-19 Delay, Traver Prepares for Heart Surgery
Keep on tickin’ Nsimire!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
