Diabelis is a 6 year old patient from the Dominican Republic. Diabelis was born with a congenital narrowing of her airway, which her mom suspected from early on because of her constantly becoming unusually short of breath when she was running around and playing with her friends. When Daibelis was only two years old, she received her tracheostomy.
Last year, at five years old, Operation Airway and Dr. Marcos Mirambeaux performed another surgery with the goal of Daibelis being trach free by her sixth birthday; it was in fact her birthday wish to be able to blow out the six candles on her birthday cake.
Dr. Christopher Hartnick examines Diabelis’ trach before surgery.
We are thrilled to report that Daibelis’ wish came true!
Diabelis’ trach was removed and just two days later, she blew out the candles on her cake like the champ she is!
This is her first trach-free birthday since she was two years old and she and her mother are still overjoyed. Now she can go to school, run around with her friends, her voice is strong, and she is resuming the life she always wanted.
We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
