Patricia, a ten-year-old girl from the Dominican Republic, has congenital hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy. This abnormality of the heart muscle runs in her family. It can cause
sudden death especially during strenuous activity. Patricia's father is also affected and her
14-year-old brother died suddenly from the disease. In order to protect Patricia, a
implantable cardiac defibrillator was required. The surgery could not be performed in her
home country, and the Worldwide Children's Foundation of New York arranged for surgery
at a New York hospital. At the Foundation's request, Medtronic donated the device.
Patricia's surgery was successful and she returned to the Dominican Republic where
follow-up care was arranged. She now will be able to play and participate in any activity
that any other young girl would enjoy.