Miracle Moment In Guyana
North West Cardio Diagnostics is a well-established echo lab that is fortunate to have some of the best cardiologists in Alberta. Among these remarkable doctors is Dr. Debra Isaac. Recently the recipient of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Women in Cardiovascular Medicine/Science Mentorship Award, Dr. Isaac’s accomplishments and accolades are almost endless. Not only is she a cardiologist and researcher, but she is also a global health advocate. In 2012, Dr. Isaac co-founded the Guyana Program to Advance Cardiac Care (GPACC).
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Guyana. Through GPACC, the goal is to create sustainable change—offering year-round medical education training programs for echosonography technologists, nurses, and physicians, and providing modern equipment (including two echo machines recently donated by NWCD).
Working in a third-world country such as Guyana is not for the faint of heart. It can be truly frustrating and heartbreaking. The contrast in working conditions and access to medical care serves as an extreme reminder of how much we in Canada take for granted, as does the very concerning state of the population’s health. The days are long and hard, yet they are also rewarding. The impact we can make on the lives of others is immense and should not be underestimated.
On her most recent trip to Guyana to continue her work, Dr. Isaac was fortunate enough to share a miracle moment with a previous patient, whose name is in fact “Miracle”. In the picture below, taken 12 years ago, is one of Dr. Isaac’s first meetings with 10-month-old Miracle and her mother. Although it is difficult to see in the picture, Miracle was a shocking shade of blue due to poor oxygen levels. Miracle was born with complex congenital heart disease and had only a single ventricle (pumping chamber – where there should be two).
A single ventricle is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical and surgical intervention. With only one ventricle, blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body is not properly distributed. Symptoms include cyanosis (blue/purple skin), difficulty breathing and feeding, low energy, sweating, and poor weight gain. It also results in heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary vascular disease, and more. Most children with a single ventricle do not survive beyond 1 year of age.
Upon meeting Miracle, Dr. Isaac knew instantly that she had to intervene. Dr. Isaac has partnered with a Chilean pediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr. Rodrigo Soto, who has dedicated his career to providing surgical intervention to children with heart disease in underserved countries around the world. Single ventricle palliation surgical intervention is more complex than that usually provided in these settings, however, after some convincing and a promise that Miracle would be cared for appropriately through the newly established echo lab and a newly trained pediatrician, Dr. Soto agreed to perform the necessary surgeries. Working together, with the volunteer cardiac care team, Miracle was provided with lifesaving surgery—a single ventricle palliation.
Miracle received a series of surgeries, starting first with a cardiac shunt to get the blood to the lungs. As she grew, Miracle received a second surgery, Glenn shunt. Now, at 12 years old, Miracle is in line for a third surgery. Through GPACC, Miracle has been able to receive the care she needs, care she almost certainly would not have received otherwise.
As mentioned earlier, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Guyana, and cardiac disease occurs in both adults and children. Many children are born with heart defects and suffer from recurring illnesses, abnormal development, poor quality of life, and early death. There has been a lack of access to the medical tools and expertise needed to care for the population. Dr. Isaac and GPACC are determined to change that.
Twelve years after her first surgery, Miracle was attending one of her many follow-up appointments when her mother noticed a familiar face: Dr. Isaac, walking the hospital halls, doing what she does best—providing world-class care. The three of them—Dr. Isaac, Miracle, and her mother—were reunited for the first time in 12 years, and Dr. Isaac was able to hear firsthand how her work had changed their lives. Miracle is now a beautiful, happy girl who loves school. She is able to breathe easily and play with her friends. Moments like this are what it’s all about.
The story of Miracle is a powerful testament to the difference one dedicated individual can make in the world. Dr. Isaac’s tireless work through GPACC has not only saved lives but has also laid the foundation for a healthier future in Guyana. Miracle’s transformation from an unwell, struggling infant into a vibrant, joyful young girl serves as a reminder that access to proper medical care is life-changing. With continued efforts, Dr. Isaac and GPACC can help ensure that more children in Guyana—and other underserved regions—can experience the same life-saving care and hope for a brighter tomorrow.