In Uganda, We Help Naome Get Life-Saving Mitral Valve Surgery
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Published: April 12, 2026
Thanks to your wonderful support of this community and the HeartValveSurgery.com Charitable Giving Fund, I am thrilled to share an inspiring update about Naome, a bright and joyful 11-year-old girl from Lira, Uganda, who recently underwent a successful mitral valve replacement at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) in Mulago Hospital.
A Childhood Filled With Joy and Curiosity
Naome grew up as an active, happy child who loved dancing, riding her bicycle, and helping her parents and siblings at home. She enjoyed going to school and reading her books, often speaking about her dream of becoming an engineer and an entrepreneur one day. Her life was simple, joyful, and full of possibility.
A Life-Changing Discovery at School
Everything changed during a routine medical camp held at Naome’s school in November 2024. Although she had no symptoms, a screening revealed that something was wrong with her heart. Her mother was immediately called, and Naome was referred to UHI for a full evaluation.
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and severe mitral regurgitation caused by a perforation of the anterior mitral leaflet. Despite her outward health and energy, her heart required urgent treatment, including surgery.
Months of Waiting, Praying & Hoping
The diagnosis shocked her family. They returned home deeply worried but determined to help their daughter. They prayed, searched for financial support, and held on to hope. Months passed without clear answers.
Then came a life-changing call from UHI.
Naome had been approved for surgery in November 2025, thanks to the generosity of Gift of Life, HeartValveSurgery.com (HVS), and the medical team.
Gift of Life and HeartValveSurgery.com Help Naome
Through a partnership between Gift of Life International and the HeartValveSurgery.com Charitable Giving Fund, Naome was approved for full financial sponsorship. This meant her family no longer had to fear losing Naome simply because they could not pay for her operation.
If you didn’t know, Gift of Life is a wonderful non-profit organization that has helped more than 52,000 children in over 80 countries across 5 continents get treatment for heart disease. In 2024, Gift of Life organized the treatment of more than 5,000 children in just one year!
A Successful Surgery and Bright Recovery
Naome arrived at Mulago Hospital with her mother and sister, ready for the procedure scheduled the following day. The next day, Naome underwent a successful mitral valve replacement. The operation went well — bringing immense relief and joy to her family.
Her mother describes this moment as a “second chance at life” for their daughter. The entire family is deeply grateful to the surgeons, nurses, sponsors, and everyone who helped make this miracle possible.
Looking Forward With Hope
Today, Naome is healing and smiling again. Her energy and curiosity are returning. With time, she will once again dance, ride her bicycle, and pursue her dreams of becoming an engineer and entrepreneur.
From all of us in the heart valve community, thank you to everyone who played a role in giving Naome this new beginning. We look forward to seeing her bright future unfold.
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Keep on tickin,
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
