One week after sending two boys off for eye treatment, the World Paediatric Project (WPP) is helping young Serena Lynch to get much needed cardio care in the United States.

Lynch, a six-year-old grade two pupil of the St Mary’s Roman Catholic School, accompanied by guardian Vernette McDowall, left the state yesterday for the Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where she would undergo procedures to take care of a heart murmur.{{more}}

Serena’s mother, Cassandra Abraham, who is not able to make the trip to the US because of her own medical constraints, indicated that she discovered that her daughter was ill after teachers observed that the once vibrant lass was sleeping a lot in class and suffering from shortness of breath.

She said that she was referred to the WPP by a doctor, and the international organization did all it could to ensure that her child would get the medical attention necessary to help her live a normal life.

“She became tired quickly and then would complain of chest pain, so we knew that something was wrong.

“When the doctor told us what the problem was, we were quite despaired because we knew that by ourselves we would not have been able to get her the treatment and procedures that would help her to be healthy,” Abraham said.

Thanks to Sister [Jacqueline] Browne-King and the WPP, she will get a chance,” Abraham added.

Browne-King, the East Caribbean region representative of the WPP, said that the Layou resident is one of approximately 10 children from SVG and the region who would be receiving medical attention for heart related illnesses this year.

King indicated that over the years, the WPP has helped hundreds of young Vincentians live healthier, more normal lives, and would continue to do so as long as it is possible.

The WPP has recently appointed chief development officer Simon Carey with responsibility to secure funding within the region to help support the programme.

Abraham and young Serena thanked the WPP and the Medical Air Services Association (MASA) for giving them the hope of a better life for Serena, who, when she grows up, wants to be a teacher, “just like mommy.”

“I want to say thanks to the WPP and all others who contributed to my daughter getting the help she needs. We would not have been able to do it without them,” Abraham stated.