NASSAU, Bahamas -- It’s heart month. The Heart Ball is just days away. It’s the major fundraiser in aid of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps to repair the hearts of children, whose parents can not ordinarily afford heart care. They rely heavily upon the generosity of others to help repair children’s hearts. You can help to repair a child’s heart today. At present there are over 12 pediatric patients awaiting heart surgery. One heart surgery can cost $55,000 or more. Join the fight against heart disease in children and help to make a difference.

Over two years ago, two children led the way for others to join the fight against heart disease in children, in The Bahamas. After their donation in 2011, Sean-Ryan and Channing Thomas discovered that their small act of kindness helped to save the life of a child. Today, they continue to share the proceeds from their gumball business with the Sassoon Heart Foundation; it is their intention to save children’s lives, no matter how small or big their donation is. You can simply be an individual with a heart, regardless of age, gender, race or socio-economic background, who wants to bring hope, health and happiness to children impacted by heart disease.

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, Channing and Sean-Ryan Thomas, now 8^th and 10^th grade students respectively, once again donated part of the profits earned from gum sales, to help repair a child’s heart. According to both children, “Wouldn’t it be great if every child would give a portion of their lunch money or allowance to the Sassoon Heart Foundation. Think of how many life saving surgeries the Sassoon Heart Foundation could provide.”

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Rashae Rolle-St. Fleur was born on September 21, 2011. Her parents wondered why she made little sound, but paid it no mind. They were grateful for the child they had.  

Less than 3 months after Rashae’s birth, her mother recognised that she was having shortness of breath.  On December 15, 2011, she was taken to the local clinic for care and was subsequently referred to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

While in Accident and Emergency at PMH, Rashae stopped breathing in her mother’s hands while blood was being drawn from her. A code blue was called. For any parent to have this experience while in A & E, can be very scary. Her parents were very troubled.

After resuscitation, Rashae was monitored and subsequently hospitalized. She was admitted to ICU because of a heart problem coupled with pneumonia. The pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Jerome Lightbourne, diagnosed Rashae with “patent ductus arteriosus” commonly referred to as PDA. Rashae was constantly monitored due to ill and seemingly declining health.  

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Renaj Stuart was born to very young mother, Ms. Kendisha Johnson. When Renaj was born his medical exam indicated a heart murmur. This is scary for a young mother; thankfully Kendisha had her mother, Mrs. Kentrise Lewis-Williamson, along to support and help her.

They were referred to the pediatric heart clinic for Renaj’s care. Subsequent medical testing and examination indicated that Renaj had a congenital heart defect called tetralogy of fallot (TOF). Tetralogy of Fallot causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin). The classic form includes four defects of the heart and its major blood vessels.

Renaj needed immediate surgery but his parents and guardians did not have the resources to cover the cost of surgery in the United States.  His mother and grandmother were told what signs and symptoms to look for until funds could be secured for his surgery. Should an emergency arise or any of the symptom become evident, they were to go to the hospital.

Additionally, he was monitored monthly by pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Jerome Lightbourne at the Pediatric Heart Clinic at PMH, until he could have surgery. Fortunately for his mother, Renaj showed no major visible signs of TOF. While he shortness of breathe, he never turned blue, was not slow moving, nor did he have slow growth.

Mother Nancye Miller lived in Freeport most of her life and raised her only child Wendy Renee Wright there. Dale and Deshaunn Marche were the last two children born to Ms. Wright. Dale was born in 1996 and Deshaunn was born in 1998. On July 17, 2009, Ms. Wright died of a massive heart attack in the presence of Mother Miller, Dale and Deshaun. She was buried on Deshaunn’s birthday, August 1, 2009. After Renee’s death, Ms. Miller, along with the children’s father, became the guardians of her two grandsons Deshaunn and Dale Marche.

Dale was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at birth. Prior to the year 2011, when Deshaunn was diagnosed, Dale never exhibited symptoms of heart disease. Deshaunn’s symptoms included shortness of breath, holding his head and squatting during episodes of cyanosis, tiredness etc.  Dr. Jerome Lightbourne, pediatric cardiologist, diagnosed Deshauun with tetralogy of fallot (TOF); TOF causes low oxygen levels in the blood. This leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple color to the skin). The classic form includes four defects of the heart and its major blood vessels.

By August 2012, only Deshaunn could travel to get heart care. Dale however was experiencing heart failure, could not travel to get heart care and was hospitalized. Thanks to the generosity of The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation, Deshaunn had heart surgery. Dr. Frank Scholl performed the surgery at Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.