Heart of a Champion

Valeria "Valita" Vasquez is a five year old girl in need of a heart transplant.  Valita suffers from a rare disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM.  This disease directly affects the muscle of the heart which causes the heart to be enlarged therefore, decreasing the amount and efficiency of blood that is being pumped.  As her health deteriorates, the only hope there is to saving her life is a costly heart Transplant.

Doctors have concluded that little Valeria probably contracted the DCM when she was 3

Valita's Parents, Diego and Jessica Vasquez are desperately trying to raise money for an operation in the United States that could potentially save their daughter's life.  In an interview with PanamericaTvPeru, Diego said "I've seen my daughter swim, I've seen her run, we've gone on family trips together, and from one moment to another, it all came to an end."  The total expenses of the surgery which will take place at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital, is estimated at $775,000.  Diego and Jessica are hoping to get the money before her decreased heart functions damages her other vital organs like her lungs and liver.

This is an in-depth interview with the family aired by Panorama and uploaded to YouTube

If you would like to donate for Valita's heart Transplant, click here