Thierrisia

Thierrisia's story

At 12, Thierrisia's life suddenly changes after the doctor tells her and her mother that she has "a big heart." The congenital heart disease causes symptoms such as a persistent cough, severe malnutrition, and congestive heart failure. Her mother, Sonia, is shocked and at a loss for what to do, also because up until that moment no doctor had detected the heart defect.

Sonia finds herself facing a complex and frightening medical situation alone, finding support only in her older sister, who hosts and helps her, since the rest of the family, including the child's father, is completely disinterested. Forced to leave her job to devote herself to caring for her daughter, Sonia relies on day jobs to survive that barely earn her enough money to buy school supplies and the necessary medicines. Despite all the difficulties, Sonia always admires the sweetness and calm that Thierrisia shows every day, managing to transmit strength and hope to her.

The necessary care to save her life is not available in Gabon but. thanks to the intervention of our Partner “Una Voce per Padre Pio”, Thierrisia’s case is submitted to the doctors of the Scientific Committee on October 11 and already on October 18, the little patient is on her way to Catania, Sicily. Within a few days Thierrisia is admitted to the San Vincenzo Hospital in Taormina and undergoes cardiac surgery.

The surgery was a success and, in less than a month, Thierrisia was healed and able to return home, ready to grow up like a normal child and live a full life.

The departure

On October 18, Thierrisia left Libreville, Gabon, and landed in Catania, Sicily.

Surgery

Thierrisia was admitted to the San Vincenzo Hospital in Taormina and immediately underwent cardiac surgery to correct her congenital heart disease.

Back home

On November 12, Thierrisia is ready to fly again with her mother and hug her aunt who is waiting for her at home.