A heart defect shouldn’t be a death sentence
For many children in developing countries, it is
Go beyond the statistics
Meet the children Surgeons of Hope has helped
Thousands of life-saving surgeries accomplished to date
And that’s just the beginning
How We Help
Featured Stories
Cocktails for a Cause: A Celebration of Hope and Healing
Join us for an elegant evening of camaraderie and compassion. Indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and engaging conversations while contributing to our mission of providing essential medical care to those in need.
Your presence helps us build bridges to a brighter future, one surgery at a time, and ensures that children with congenital heart defects receive the gift of life-saving care.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event dedicated to making a lasting impact. Your support drives change!
Experience the impact firsthand by watching our transformative work on our YouTube channel.
Dress code: Chic attire
October 4, 2023
6:00pm – 9:00pm EDT
Meet the Event Committee:
Blaire G. Bloxom
David Chitayat
Carolina Churchill
Crystelle Desnoyer
Melindha Sharma
We’re grateful for their hard work and dedication in bringing this event to life.
Transforming Lives: Empowering Pediatric Cardiologists Trained in Echocardiography to Address Congenital Heart Disease Globally
Meet Franciele, a pediatric cardiologist training in echocardiography training in Spain from June 2023 to December 2023 with the support of SOH and Hospital Gregorio Maranon in Spain. In a world where every heartbeat matters, the role of a pediatric cardiologist trained in echocardiography is undeniably crucial. The early diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) holds the key to transforming lives and shaping a brighter future for children around the globe. By emphasizing the importance of training these specialized medical professionals, we can make significant strides in addressing CHD and its impact, especially in the developing world.
Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting millions of children worldwide. Without timely detection and intervention, it can lead to serious health complications and even loss of life. However, with advancements in medical technology, echocardiography has emerged as a powerful tool in diagnosing CHD at its earliest stages. By using ultrasound imaging to visualize the structure and function of the heart, pediatric cardiologists can identify anomalies and provide timely interventions, greatly improving outcomes for affected children.
In the developing world, the burden of CHD is particularly significant due to limited resources and access to specialized care. Many children in these regions face challenges ranging from delayed diagnosis to limited treatment options. However, by training pediatric cardiologists in echocardiography, we can bridge this gap and ensure that children receive the care they deserve.
Early detection of CHD is essential for several reasons. First, it enables healthcare providers to offer appropriate medical interventions, such as medication or surgical procedures, at the earliest opportunity. This early intervention significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and minimizes long-term complications. Second, early diagnosis allows families to prepare emotionally and financially for the journey ahead, ensuring that they have the support they need during this critical time.
In the developing world, where healthcare infrastructure is often under-resourced, training pediatric cardiologists in echocardiography is a game-changer. It equips them with the skills and knowledge to accurately identify CHD in infants and children, even in resource-limited settings. These healthcare heroes become beacons of hope, bringing specialized care to underserved communities and breaking the cycle of limited access to quality medical services.
To address the status of CHD in the developing world, it is vital to advocate for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, training programs, and the provision of necessary medical equipment. By partnering with local communities, governments, and international organizations, we can work towards building sustainable solutions that empower pediatric cardiologists and healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat CHD effectively.
The journey of a pediatric cardiologist trained in echocardiography is not just about interpreting images or diagnosing medical conditions. It is about transforming lives, instilling hope, and shaping a healthier future for our children. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and by empowering these medical professionals, we can create a world where every heartbeat is heard, cherished, and given the opportunity to flourish.
Surgeons of Hope strives to create a world in which every infant and child with a damaged heart has an equal opportunity to receive life-saving surgery
A Call to Action

From August 27, 2023 to September 1, 2023 Surgeons of Hope will join over 40 Global Arch members at the 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. This event will bring together invited patient and family organizations, clinicians, and humanitarian organizations from around the world to learn from each other and create a unified voice for those affected by childhood-onset heart disease. During the conference, an urgent Call to Action will be presented urging all governments, all health and development agencies, and the world research and academic community to protect and promote the health of all people with pediatric and congenital heart diseases. Please sign on to show your support.
Latest News
Surgical Mission to Costa Rica
Surgeons of Hope’s returned to Costa Rica after a 3-year hiatus because of the pandemic. A medical team from Chicago, led by
Surgical Mission to Paraguay
Surgeons of Hope’s first surgical mission after the pandemic was a success. A medical team from France, led by Dr. Dominique Metras,
Four nurses from the Hospital Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu completed a one- month training at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid, Spain
Four nurses from the Hospital Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu completed a one- month training at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
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Meet Our Heroes
Meet Jhonatan, a heart hero who underwent a life-changing open-heart surgery to correct truncus back in March 2019. Truncus arteriosus," also called "common truncus." It's a condition where babies are born with just one highway instead of two that come out of their heart. They also have only one traffic light controlling the blood flow instead of the usual two. 🚦
This mix-up leads to a problem because the oxygen-rich blood gets all mixed up with the oxygen-poor blood. This means that too much blood goes to the lungs, and the poor heart must work extra hard to pump blood to the rest of the body. 💔 Children, like Jhonatan, with this condition need a special surgery to fix their heart and blood vessels. Fast forward to 2023, Jonathan had the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary doctors who transformed his life.

Watch Holman’s Story
Holman received lifesaving surgery 6 years ago, when he was just 12 years old. We were able to reconnect with Holman and his doctor. This compelling story was captured on video and truly embodies the Surgeons of Hope mission.