Hello, my name is Kristin Calheno-Hill, a volunteer with Team Heart. Many of you know of Dr. Maurice Musoni, Rwanda’s first cardiac surgeon. Working at King Faisal Hospital along with Team Heart for more than 10 years, he has been critical to the progress made in establishing a sustainable cardiac surgery program in Rwanda. Maurice is a smart, kind, compassionate, immensely skilled surgeon and his dedication to helping the people of Rwanda is unwavering. Now, Maurice is in need of our help. In early May, Maurice came to the US to visit family and attend an international cardiac surgical conference. While here, he was hospitalized in Washington, DC for an unknown illness. His course has been very challenging and his care team is still working to establish a treatment plan. Many weeks in the hospital have left him weak and debilitated, and he remains in the hospital today. It is unknown at this time when he will be able to return to Rwanda, and ultimately return to his role as cardiac surgeon at King Faisal Hospital. His wife, Diane, was with him, and they both are facing mounting medical bills and expenses while unable to earn income. During the beginning phase of his illness he was airlifted to a new hospital and has been in and out of the ICU as well as the cardiac care intensive unit. His current medical expenses are already nearing $500,000 and continue to mount. We are asking for your help in supporting Maurice and Diane during this very difficult time. Maurice does not have health insurance to cover his US medical bills, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Your contribution will go directly to Maurice's medical expenses, living expenses for him and Diane while he is recovering, and to support and sustain his developing cardiac surgery program. We kindly ask that you post this campaign on your social media pages or share with friends, family and colleagues, helping us reach as many people as possible who may be able to help. Together, we can make a significant impact and provide Maurice and his wife with the assistance they need. We would like to thank you for taking the time to read our story and for learning about the current situation with Maurice. We are profoundly grateful for your support. If you would like to wire a donation directly, please contact Team Heart https://teamheart.org/ To mail a check: Maurice Fund PO Box 446 Milton, MA 02186 ABOUT TEAM HEART: When strep throat is left untreated, it can develop into rheumatic heart disease (RHD). In sub-Saharan Africa, where strep throat largely goes untreated, it has led to an estimated 275,000 premature deaths occurring each year. It is estimated that there are more than 40,000 teens and young adults with undiagnosed RHD in Rwanda. This situation will continue to progress until the young teens enter the healthcare system. Even then, it could take years to navigate the system and receive care. These young adults are dying from RHD and the only treatment for advanced cases is surgery. Since 2007, Team Heart, a volunteer-based non-profit, has been working in Rwanda to increase access to cardiac care for the vulnerable population. Through partnerships with the Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Rwandan Biomedical Center and King Faisal Hospital, a 16-year partnership has led to the surgical intervention of nearly 600 young adults suffering from rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Our mission: To address the burden of cardiovascular disease in Rwanda by increasing access to care through sharing data, improvement of facilities, skill transfer, and access to essential cardiac medications and supplies for all. https://teamheart.org/
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