Boy from Africa brings 3-month-old to city for surgery, saves her life

Angelo and Rivana were hospitalised at an institution in Seychelles before Angelo was referred to Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (MIOT) hospital in Chennai. Rivana was suffering from truncus arteriosus — a rare congenital heart disease where two major blood vessels (pulmonary artery and aorta) fuse together to form a single vessel.

Angelo’s mother, Angelica, said he persuaded her to bring Rivana along with them to India for treatment after he grew fond of her during the hospitalisation. “The hospital in Seychelles could not treat Rivana and therefore she was referred to MIOT. However, it was not feasible for her single mother – who is suffering from epilepsy – to bring the baby to India,” Angelica added.

When he heard of Rivana and her medical condition, Angelo grew really fond of her. He frequently slipped out of his room to visit her. It was then that the doctors shifted them to the same room. “When he was to be brought to Chennai, on his insistence, we spoke to the Rivana’s aunt and flew them here for treatment.” Rivana was saved because of Angelo’s love and concern for her.