Chain of Hope Jamaica and Chain of Hope UK continue to bring hope to children battling congenital heart disease. 

Each year, approximately 400 children in Jamaica are born with this life-threatening condition, and while half require urgent medical intervention, many are unable to access the surgery they desperately need due to financial constraints. 

Currently, more than 170 children remain on the waiting list, their young lives hanging in the balance.

Hope became a reality for twelve children who received free life-saving cardiac surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. The delicate procedures were performed by a team of 20 medical volunteers from Chain of Hope UK led by esteemed cardiac surgeon Professor Victor Tsang from the Great Ormond Street Hospital in the United Kingdom.

While discussing the financial and long-term care impact on parents and children, Swedish paediatric heart surgeon Kiet Tran noted that congenital heart disease is typically diagnosed at birth and treatment through surgery to repair the heart is conducted early in the child’s life. He expressed concern about the strained financial resources faced by many Jamaican parents and the resulting delay in medical care for children. 

“I never see children coming this late into surgery. These kids that come to us here are highly resilient and are clearly strong and brave kids. However, once the children receive and recover from these life-saving surgeries, they can participate in activities that could not before,” he said. 

For Melicia Wilson, the charitable outreach by the Chain of Hope volunteers has paved the way for a brighter and more hopeful future for her daughter, who was among the young patients to benefit from the initiative. 

“My daughter used to participate in sports and other activities, but then earlier last year the strain was too much, and she was forced to stop doing the things she loved because of the extra irregular heartbeat,” Wilson explained.  

With the cardiac surgery now complete, Wilson shared feelings of nervousness in the long road ahead for her daughter’s recovery. While excitedly expressing gratitude to the Chain of Hope volunteers, Wilson stated that she will remain confident that her budding sports athlete will be able to participate in her beloved sports once again.

Chain of Hope Jamaica also fundraises to provide support to children in the post-operative phase, such as providing food during the recovering journey and bus fare.