Meet Olivia

Olivia was born with a heart defect, following her older brother’s own diagnosis at birth. Tragically, her brother died months after a complex operation.

When Olivia’s parents discovered their daughter would also need urgent surgery, they sought help at our hospital partner and Center of Excellence in São José do Rio Preto, Hospital da Criança e Maternidade.

The team there agreed that although it would be a challenge, they would do everything in their power to help Olivia. So, the day after Olivia was born, she underwent the first of two operations needed to treat her heart defect.

Her recovery was a struggle, marked by numerous obstacles she had to overcome. A few months later, Olivia returned for her second operation, which was also successful. Her surgeon, Dr. Ulisses Croti, pronounced Olivia officially “safe and sound,” with a normal, healthy life ahead of her.