Refused to give up!
I was born in Venezuela with a heart that wasn’t expected to beat for long. A congenital heart defect greeted me into this world with silence and fear. From the start, life demanded a fight—and I accepted, even as a newborn, wrapped in uncertainty. My parents became warriors, refusing to surrender to the statistics. They crossed borders, knocked on doors, and found the care that saved me.
That early miracle became the foundation of my life. But survival was only the beginning. My childhood was marked by surgeries, medical visits, and questions without easy answers. I knew I was different—but I never knew how powerful that difference would become.
Years passed. My heart grew stronger, and so did I. And then came the moment when I realized: I didn’t survive just for myself. I was spared so I could spare others. My life had to mean something more.
That purpose became Fundación Estrellita de Belén—a lifeline for children in Venezuela born with the same condition I once had, but without the resources or privilege to survive. It began with a message from a desperate mother whose child needed surgery. He didn’t make it. But his life lit the flame that became our mission. Today, we’ve helped save countless lives—through procedures, medicines, follow up visits, lab work, and something even more powerful: hope.
Over time, my voice reached farther. I began to advocate—not just in hospitals and homes, but on national stages, at international conferences, in meetings with lawmakers and leaders. I told our stories. I demanded action. I reminded the world that congenital heart disease is not just a medical condition—it is a human rights issue.
I poured that journey into a book: “Mujeres Indetenibles”, where I shared my story alongside other women who have turned their pain into purpose. That book became a symbol—proof that a broken heart can build an unstoppable life.
And through the years, my advocacy expanded. I became part of Global ARCH, representing Latin America and standing beside leaders from around the world. Together, we push for global awareness, equity in treatment, and a future where no child is left behind simply because of where they were born. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to represent my region and to be a voice for families who fight in silence.
I look back and see not just survival—but transformation.
From a fragile child with an uncertain future to a woman with a global mission…
From one life saved to hundreds of lives changed…
From a quiet scar to a powerful message that still echoes: You are not alone. Your heart is worth fighting for.
This is my story. But more importantly—it’s the beginning of someone else’s.
Because every heartbeat we protect is another chapter of hope.