By Azara Lavia
Azara.lavia@antigua observer.com
The mother of a 14-year-old girl is making an impassioned plea to the public to help raise funds for her daughter’s urgent medical expenses.
Aida Dupingny, a 14-year-old student at the Antigua Girls’ High School, is described as a bright and courageous girl who has always faced life with a smile and a heart full of dreams.
At this age, she has already shown incredible strength, but now she faces a challenge that requires even more bravery: critical heart surgery, known as the Fontan procedure, at Boston Children’s Hospital in a few months’ time.
The cost of the surgery is more than US$250,000 and is crucial for her condition as it will help to improve her heart function and overall quality of life.
Speaking exclusively to Observer, Aida’s mother, Gillian Bonnage-Dupigny, explained that the procedure is designed to improve blood circulation by redirecting blood flow to the lungs.
“Aida has been living with a serious heart condition called Severe Epstein’s Anomaly since she was just three months old.
“We were told she would only have four days to live, but her strength and resilience have kept her here with us against all odds. At the age of five, Aida was referred to a Children’s Heart Foundation programme, where she saw a cardiologist from Miami. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of her case, no immediate solutions were available.
“Determined to find help, I researched extensively and discovered Boston Children’s Hospital, which has been instrumental in Aida’s care ever since. Over the years, Aida has undergone eight cardiac catheterisations and one open heart surgery,” she said.
The mother further explained that Aida’s condition had recently worsened, requiring her to use portable oxygen due to dangerously low oxygen levels.
“This past July, Aida had to be rushed to the emergency room after experiencing episodes of coughing blood, leading to a week-long stay in the intensive care unit at Boston Children’s Hospital,” she said.
The family is facing a Herculean task to cover the significant costs associated with this life-saving surgery, and is appealing to the public for support.
They have shared that no donation is too small, and that every contribution, no matter the size, helps ease the financial burden on the family who are battling to ensure that Aida gets the best possible care.
To support Aida’s journey, a GoFundMepage, titled “Help save Aida, living on a single ventricle,” has been set up to assist with medical expenses. The family is urging people to share the page.
They are also seeking support in spreading the word through social media networks, emails, and word of mouth, in an effort to reach more people who might be able to support Aida in her time of need.
