Deeya could hear the neighbourhood kids pass by her house on their way to school every morning. She could hear their voices through the closed windows and discussions about homework from the night before. In the afternoons, she could hear their shouts as they made their way back home–bits of gossip from the day and plans being made to play.
She wanted to slip on a uniform and walk to school with them. She wanted to sit at a desk, to have a seat mate, and to learn. But school was completely inaccessible—though it was just 200 yards from home, Deeya was too sick to go.
For many children born with a heart defect, going to school is just a dream. They don’t have the physical strength needed to get to school and they don’t have the stamina to make it through a day of studies.
Deeya received her heart surgery, because of you. She went home from the hospital to recover. And when we saw her the next time, she was a different child!
Deeya was a normal kid, with a uniform of her own, classmates to learn with, a desk and backpack. She could walk to school; she could make it through the day of classes. And more importantly, Deeya could prepare for her future—because of her heart surgery, she has a future!
When Deeya graduated from kindergarten, her mother hung her diploma in their home—it was her prized possession.
Today, Deeya is a normal kid who worries about finishing her homework. She makes sure her school clothes are ready for the morning. And she is forging friendships that will last for years.
Normal.
And extraordinary.
Every time you help a child receive a life-saving heart surgery, you also send them back to school!
