Kenia's Heart

Kenia wanted to be able to play with her sister and friends. But she was only permitted to do things that require minimal physical effort because of a heart problem she’s had since birth. Sometimes a simple walk would cause Kenia to faint.  

“We tried to help her understand that her heart condition puts her at risk. It’s why we had to forbid her from doing any intense activity,” said Milton, Kenia’s father.   

“She got sick very often,” added her mom Maria. “She also got pneumonia because of her condition. We had to wake up several times every night to check on her. It was very hard on her and us.” 

Kenia’s dad and mom are pastors in El Salvador, which meant they didn’t earn a lot of money. There was usually enough for food, but not for medicine or medical emergencies. Surgery to repair Kenia’s heart was not possible. So they prayed. 

“God is in control,” said Maria. "He comforts us and strengthens us especially during these scary times.”  

When Operation Blessing learned about Kenia we arranged for her and some other kids with heart problems to travel to a larger city for surgery.  

Kenia’s operation was a success and just a few weeks after surgery she showed us what she was able to run and jump rope with her sister and friends. 

“Operation Blessing has been a great blessing to our Kenia, who has now recovered and growing up healthy in every way. Thank you and God bless you!” said Maria.