Congenital heart disease is the most common birth condition in the world.
Yet 9 in 10 children lack access to the care they need.
Seattle Children’s pediatric cardiac team is partnering with Children’s HeartLink to strengthen heart programs where they’re needed most.
Together, we are supporting the pediatric cardiac team at Hospital de Messejana (HdM) in Fortaleza, Brazil to grow their skills, expand their capacity and reach more children born with heart disease.
This collaboration spans 7-10 years, with in-person training visits about once a year and virtual education throughout the year. The HdM team is working to improve care in a setting where many of the resources available in the United States simply don’t exist.
Across Brazil, there is only 30% capacity to treat children born with CHD. That means nearly 70% of children never receive the care they need—leading to preventable complications and a lower quality of life.
This gap isn’t due to lack of dedication. It’s due to lack of trained providers and limited resources. By helping build a stronger workforce, we can change the trajectory for thousands of children.
This is why your support of the Seattle Children’s team matters so deeply.
Become a part of this transformative partnership by contacting Heather today!
Saving Children Like Maria Laura
Maria Laura sleeps on a small bed in a hospital ward awaiting surgery for her three congenital heart conditions. Watching over her with constant loving presence is Karina, her mother.
Because they couldn’t find care close to home, Maria Laura and her mother had to make a lengthy five-hour drive to HdM in Fortaleza. Upon arrival, they anxiously waited another three long weeks for the moment that could change everything.
Thanks to your pediatric heart care team at Seattle Children’s, who’d been mentoring and training doctors, nurses and medical staff at HdM since 2015, Maria Laura’s procedure was a success! Her lifesaving surgery marked a turning point to the conditions that had shaped every breath and worry since her birth.
Because of your doctors at Seattle Children’s, children like Maria Laura have the chance to grow into their future.
Building Sustainable, High-Quality Heart Care
The goal is to help HdM grow its multidisciplinary team to so they can provide consistent, high-quality heart care to children, and eventually become regional trainers, sharing their expertise with other hospitals across Brazil.
You can help more children receive the heart care they need by getting involved with the Children’s HeartLink and Seattle Children’s Hospital partnership.
To learn more, contact Heather today!
We are seeking supporters to:
Host a fundraiser—online or in your home—to introduce friends, family or colleagues to this work.
Volunteer your time to support events or awareness efforts.
Give in honor or memory of someone special.
Share your story to give hope to others walking a similar journey.
