05.11.2023
Gabriela’s heart condition was discovered shortly after she was born. Doctors recommended that her parents have her checked, so just days after being discharged from the maternity hospital, Gabriela underwent a heart ultrasound. On her ninth day of life, she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
For several months, Gabriela received supportive medication. An Odessa-based pediatric cardiac surgeon who had been monitoring her since birth initially advised that no surgery was needed — only observation. But her parents weren’t comfortable waiting. They made the decision to travel to the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv.
There, doctors recommended returning in three months for surgery.
At 3 months old, Gabriela underwent open-heart surgery that lasted nearly three hours. During the operation, the surgeons completely corrected the defect: four partitions in her tiny heart were reconstructed and repositioned, and a hole in the heart was closed.
Gabriela spent twelve days in the intensive care unit, carefully monitored by doctors, and was later transferred to a regular hospital room with her mother. After two weeks in the hospital, this little fighter was discharged to continue her recovery at home.
Gabriela’s mother dreams that her daughter will one day become a pediatric doctor, helping save other children — just as she was saved.
The surgery was made possible thanks to the “Big Little Heart” project, which provides support for children with congenital heart defects. As per the doctors' recommendations, Gabriela will continue to be monitored by a cardiologist to ensure her heart remains healthy.
Her treatment and post-op care were supported through the Mother’s Day campaign by Lancôme, which helped provide the costly medications she needed during her time at the Amosov Institute.
We wish Gabriela a full and speedy recovery — and a life filled with strength, smiles, and dreams come true.
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