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In March 2001, the NPDF was contacted by Dr. Antonio Fernandez, a leading pediatric cardiologist in Guayaquil, Ecuador who told him of the plight of two-year-old Jealine Borja who was born with congenital heart defects and would die unless she received a lifesaving heart operation. Almost immediately, the NPDF arranged a “pro-bono” heart operation at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York. The NPDF subsequently traveled to Guayaquil, Ecuador wherein the NPDF convinced the American Consul General to issue an emergency medical visa for Baby Jealine and her mother to come to the United States. On June 13, 2002, Baby Jealine was successfully operated on and returned to Ecuador where today she is living a normal life. |