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Tahira Pont Hey was born in Chile on September 27 , 2002. She was diagnosed at 7 months with Hypotonic Syndrome, a condition of abnormally low muscle tone that often leads to diseases and disorders that affect motor and nerve control and a deterioration of muscle strength. She has developed Torticollis, a condition that causes the head to tilt to one side, while elevating the chin and pointing it to the other side. Her Atlas (The first cervical vertebra, is named the Atlas, because it supports the globe of the head) is open, giving place for the Odontoid to pass to the Marrow. The Axis is shifted out of place. Her sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side is short. Also, she has Hydrosyringomyelia of the upper thorax. She has Osteopenia, a disease where bone mineral density is lower than normal. Last year an MRI confirmed that she was born with a rare Cervical Malformation (only case recorded in Chile).
As she grows and matures these conditions continue to worsen further deforming her body and face. She is also experiencing duodenal ulcers that cause internal hemorrhaging, and convulsions. Since her birth in 2002 her parents have been making the long and expensive trip from Easter Island to mainland Chile to try to get help for her. She has seen numerous specialists in Chile over the years, but none have had the experience and expertise to be able to help.
The Merahi Rapanui Foundation is asking for your kind help to bring Tahira to the United States for further tests and treatment. Her parents have insurance in Chile, but it does not cover treatment outside the country. The Chilean government has been petitioned for help, but bureaucracy and red tape have prevented Tahira from getting the financial assistance that she needs. We have already found physicians specializing in neuromuscular and spinal disorders who are willing to help. We need your donations to help with hospital costs not donated, as well as food, lodging and incidental expenses while in the US. Even small donations help. Maururu Korua  Wish List ALL ELECTRICAL DEVICES 220Voltage (converters welcome), Easter Island, Chile - Portable Digital X-Ray Machine
- Mechanical Ventilator (Adult/Child)
- MEB-903 Electric Hospital Bed
- Defibrillator
- Surgical Scissors
- Curved Metzenbaum Scissors
- Straight Metzenbaum Scissors
- AccuCheck Sensor (a.k.a. AccuTrend Sensor)
- Welch Allyn Otoscope
- Surgical Lamp
- Top Infusion Pump
- Any type of Dental Instruments
Future Easter Island Health Care Professionals - Three medical students
- Dentist
- Nurse
- Two Psychologists
- Several Kinesiologists
Unfortunately, many have no space to practice and lack many necessary instruments.
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