At Baylor Scott & White’s Heart Hospital in Plano, a group of five patients recently traveled a considerable distance for life-saving surgeries.
Through a partnership with Haiti Cardiac Alliance, the hospital hosts several vulnerable heart patients from Haiti multiple times a year, providing critical care that is unavailable in their home country.
“Without surgical intervention, many of them would not live past 45 years of age,” explained Dr. David Moore, a cardiovascular surgeon with Baylor Scott & White.
To date, Dr. Moore and his team have successfully treated 40 patients. However, the most recent group faced exceptional challenges, being the first to arrive since political unrest erupted in Haiti.
Alexandra Michaud described the dangers they confront daily in Haiti, including guns, gangs, and kidnapping.
“To save my life, I was willing to take the risk. If I didn’t do it now, I might never have the chance,” Michaud expressed through translator Steeven Andre.
Michaud required a new heart valve due to severe limitations in her daily activities caused by shortness of breath.
Jean Elio Desgrange presented a rare condition where blood was leaking from his heart, a case that Dr. Moore described as unprecedented.
“Thanks to this hospital and Dr. Moore, I can feel the difference after the surgery,” Desgrange conveyed tearfully, as translated by Andre.
The surgeries began in May, and the patients are scheduled to return to Haiti within the next week.
“She would like to thank you, Dr. Moore, and encourage you to continue your excellent work, as there are many young people like her in Haiti waiting for their chance to come here for surgery,” Michaud conveyed through Andre.
Dr. Moore expressed his hope to continue providing care to Haitian patients, despite uncertainties due to political instability.
“I hope patients can continue to safely leave Haiti and return home safely. That is the biggest uncertainty right now,” Dr. Moore stated.
He emphasized the personal connections he forms with his Haitian patients, often hosting them for dinners and maintaining contact through WhatsApp after they return home.
“As a cardiac surgeon, I recognize the unique skill set I have. In the U.S., there are around 2,000 active cardiac surgeons. In Haiti, there are none,” Dr. Moore lamented, noting the lack of local resources exacerbated by political turmoil.
“Helping individuals who have no other options gives me immense satisfaction,” Dr. Moore concluded.
Despite concerns about returning to a dangerous situation, Michaud is optimistic about her future with a healthy heart, eager to care for her son and resume her education.
“When I return home, I will take care of my little boy and continue my studies,” Michaud affirmed.
