Heilin Danely Mairena
In May, University of Pittsburgh went to La Ceibita where they met Helen, a four year old girl who has been rendered immobile from her disease.
Heilen was diagnosed with Myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is a birth defect that is formed by what doctors believe is a lack of folic acid during the first trimester. This lack of folic acid leads to the backbone and spinal canal not being able to close before birth. As a result, children like Helen are often unable to walk.
Because of this condition, Heilin was no longer able to go to school because a family member could no longer carry her. In June 2013, Arizona State University donated a wheelchair to Heilin. This was
If you would like to know more about this case or want to get further involved, please contact Grace Goryoka at grace.goryoka@globalbrigades.org