Patient Stories
Patient: Shatho
Country of Origin: Botswana
Diagnosis: Anorectal Malformation - Cloaca
Shatho is a precious little 2-year-old girl from Botswana. Dr. Georges Azzie, Surgeon in the Division of General Surgery, travels to Botswana on numerous occasions to share his expertise to local surgeons. Shatho was referred to Dr. Azzie on one of his visits due to the complexity of her medical condition, namely an Anorectal Malformation. Dr. Azzie proposed a surgical treatment for her at SickKids, since the surgery could not be carried out in Botswana.
Sadly, Shatho’s parents, Tuelo and Boswa, could not afford the costs associated with the specialized treatment abroad. Fortunately, the Herbie Fund was there to assist. In May 2008, Boswa and her daughter traveled to SickKids so that Shatho could receive the specialized treatment she required. Dr. Georges Azzie, and Dr. Pippi Salle, Head, Division of Urology, performed the 8 hour surgery. Shatho recovered well and she and her mother returned home to Botswana in July 2008. Shatho's mom expressed that she will forever by grateful to the Herbie Fund.
Patient: Mary Justin
Country of Origin: Philippines
Age: 15 years old
Diagnosis: Ventricular Septal Defect
Mary Justin is a beautiful young lady from Laguna, Philippines whose life has been significantly impacted as a result of the Herbie Fund. She received life saving heart surgery at SickKids fully supported through the Herbie Fund. Her family was informed that SickKids has a world renowned Heart Centre, which is one of the largest and most successful in the world but also a unique humanitarian program, namely the Herbie Fund. The Herbie Fund is a charitable fund that provides financial support to children from around the world to receive surgical treatment at The Hospital for Sick Children.
In March 2008, Dr. Andrew Redington, Head, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery and Dr. Rajiv Chaturvedi, Cardiologist, along with an extensive medical team provided cardiac surgery to Mary Justin. She spent over six hours in the operating room, where her life was forever changed.
She continued to receive post operative clinical appointments for several weeks after her surgery. The physicians as well as Mary Justin’s family noticed a substantial in her abilities to execute everyday tasks, that she previously had trouble with. Her energy level increased, as did her spirit and laughter. This surgery has had a tremendous impact on her life.
Thanks to the Herbie Fund, committed to helping children from around the world receive medical treatment not available in their home country; Mary Justin was able to receive highly specialized cardiac surgery at SickKids. Since 1979, Mary Justin along with 600 other children from around the world have received highly specialized medical treatment from auspices of the Herbie fund. Today, Mary Justin stands a vibrant young lady with an incredible zest for life. She is excited about her pursuing her dream as a world class chef in the Philippines.
Patient: Brittney
Country of Origin: Trinidad
Age: 6 years old
Diagnosis: Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia
Brittney is a lovely and shy girl from Trinidad. Her parents, Rick and Krisendaye, had exhausted all avenues to obtain much needed treatment for their daughter. While reading through a local magazine, they came across some information about the Telehealth Program in Trinidad. They were immediately redirected to Sick Kids’ Herbie Fund and the wheels were set in motion for little Brittney to receive life-saving heart surgery at SickKids, fully supported through the Herbie Fund.
In May 2008, Dr. Al-Radi, Cardiovascular Surgeon, along with a vast medical team performed the complex cardiac surgery on Brittney. Although her recovery was initially slow, thanks to the Herbie Fund, she is now an energetic little girl. While previously home-school due to medical circumstances, Brittney was recently able to attend school like the rest of her friends.