My teenage daughter needs a heart operation

Yssabella was born with a congenital heart defect called "patent ductus arteriosus" (PDA) which is a persistent opening between the two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The opening, called the ductus arteriosus, is a normal part of a baby's circulatory system before birth that usually closes shortly after birth. If it remains open, however, it's called a patent ductus arteriosus.

A small PDA often doesn't cause problems and might never need treatment. However, a large patent ductus arteriosus left untreated can allow poorly oxygenated blood to flow in the wrong direction, weakening the heart muscle and causing heart failure and other complications.

Treatment options for a PDA include monitoring, medications, and closure by cardiac catheterization or surgery.

Over the years, Yssabella has been rushed to the hospital on many occasions due to severe heart pain and missed many days of school as a result. She takes prescribed medications daily to help cope with her situation.

Yssabella is now sixteen years old and gets heart pain more frequently from everyday things like anxiety, stress and exercise.

Her favourite hobby is dancing. She was preparing for a school competition in ballroom dancing in September when the heart pain became too intense. Her doctor asked her to stop dancing altogether.

We decided that it is time for Yssabella to stop suffering. We scheduled a catheter procedure for her on February 4, 2020 at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

The cost of the procedure is approximately 500,000 pesos including Doctor fees, hospitalization, travel costs, and so on. The anticipated grants from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) should be around 200,000 pesos. So that leaves about 300,000 pesos to pay.

I have already asked all my friends and family for support. My husband is working in Dubai and sends whatever money he can. I am at home full time caring for my daughter and aging parents (86 and 93 years old).

If you can find it in your "heart" to help us out, I will be forever grateful. Any amount will do.

Thank you in advance for your kind generosity.

Anna Myla