The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AS THE Bahamas Heart Foundation prepares for its biggest fundraiser, the annual Heart Ball, the organisation continues to seek the support of the public to help carry out its mission of healing the hearts of children.

The foundation has helped to repair the hearts of over 4,000 persons, primarily children. One of every 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect and it is the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths.

Countless children have been afforded the opportunity of new chance at life with the assistance of the foundation. One recent case was that of six-year-old Roman Russell, who underwent a major surgery to correct the hole in his heart in October.

At only three months old doctors discovered after a routine visit that there was a hole in Roman’s heart. Immediately Ramon’s mother, Brieth Young, was referred to the Princess Margaret Hospital for further examination.

“After finding the hole in his heart, the doctors asked if Roman was breathing properly, if he was turning blue and none of those thing we actually happening with Roman. Then the doctor told me that Roman was actually only supposed to see two weeks. He was shocked that Roman was still living,” Ms Young said.

After time, Roman continued to beat the odds. Ms Young was told that her son would never be able to play sports; however he grew to be very active, loving basketball, golf and swimming.

“I did not believe that. I believed that my child would live and not die. From then I left the hospital and my child has lived a healthy life,” she said.

According to Ms Young, the most Roman has ever had was a cough, despite the severity of his heart condition.

Doctors gave Ms Young the option of her son undergoing the corrective surgery; however, at the time, she did not believe the surgery was necessary.

Being a woman of faith and having a personal relationship with God, it wasn’t until just a few months ago she felt led to have her son operated on. “One day when I dropped him off to school I heard a still small voice that said ‘it is time’. I am believer in Jesus Christ and I spoke life over my son. I spoke to my mother and I told her I believed that it was time for her to do the surgery.

“When we went back the doctor so that Roman can have another check-up, the doctor told also that we can go ahead with the surgery.”

With no health insurance to cover the surgery, Ms Young was referred to the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation which assisted with the surgery at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

Roman recovered quickly from the surgery and has resumed classes at Albury Sayle Primary School. “He is doing so awesome now and I am thankful to God and the Heart Foundation for all of their help. Roman’s heart is not racing as much, he is breathing at a regular pace and he feels great,” she told Tribune Health.