The Chadasha Foundation and SCORE International joined forces in an attempt to save Tama Ecza’s life in Haiti. One year after the earthquake ruined her family’s business and home, Tama,12, arrived at the University of Miami Hospital by taxi with her mother.

The hospital called Dr. Clint Doiron of the Chadasha Foundation. “She’s been diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease and will not live without immediate help,” said Dr. Doiron. “No one in Haiti is equipped to provide pediatric cardiac care.” Caused by untreated strep throat, Tama now had an infection of the heart valve and the heart sack. To survive, Tama needed a U.S. hospital with proper equipment.

In the following days, both non-profits called contacts and hospitals until a placement was found for Tama, and a pilot donated his time and aircraft to fly Tama and her mother to the United States.

Named “the most beautiful girl in Haiti” by nurses, Tama’s smile captured the hearts of many, and her story has helped raise awareness for the need of pediatric cardiac care in Haiti.