At just 17 years old, Denise’s life was on the line.
September 20, 2017
This is Denise Imbry, a girl from the rural town of Zorange, Haiti.
Denise came to the attention of a cardiologist at Rochester General Hospital during a medical mission trip with Hope for Haiti. At just 17 years old, Denise’s life was on the line. She suffered from a rheumatic heart with a failing valve, and was so sick that she could no longer attend school. Without cardiac surgery, Denise’s health would plunge rapidly.
Sweet and shy, Denise touched the hearts of the entire team on that medical mission. One of the team members from North Carolina spoke extensively with Denise’s parents to receive permission for her to come to the United States. Denise was given the opportunity to travel with her brother to Rochester, New York for surgery.
Denise’s story inspired the staff at Rochester General Hospital to push for her recovery.
InterVol is a partner with Rochester General Hospital, and when their volunteers heard about Denise’s story they decided to take action. InterVol, Rochester Hospital, and Hope for Haiti all collaborated to provide the surgery. After the operation, Denise fully recovered and was even able to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with some of her doctors and nurses while she healed.
Denise underwent successful cardiac surgery with the support of InterVol, Rochester General Hospital, and Hope for Haiti.