In March of 2010 my wife, Karma, gave birth to our daughter Eliavah Maribel. One hour before leaving the hospital we learned that our precious girl would need open heart surgery within six months.

Over the next few weeks she was officially diagnosed with a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that consists of a hole in the heart and two to three other abnormalities. Needless to say, our emotions were running rampant.We were overjoyed to be parents, yet terrified at the thought of open heart surgery on an infant.

On top of this we were rejected by the insurance companies due to her pre-existing condition, and we were left with a group insurance plan that amounted to the surreal amount of $1400 per month to cover us as a family. Although finances really were the least of my concerns, I was definitely aware that paying $1400 a month for insurance was quickly going to put us into debt.

Somewhere along the roller coaster of emotions we were put in contact with Just Heart. I spoke with Faith on the phone about our situation, explaining the magnitude of our financial troubles. She asked us what our greatest need would be, and I simply told her that after paying $1400 a month for insurance, we would not be able to afford our mortgage payment and other bills. I remember the day she called back explaining that Just Heart would pay our mortgage for six months. I was stunned.

Here’s where things got really interesting. Soon after, I secured a second job with great benefits; however, these benefits would not kick in until several months later. As my wife and I looked at the date when that would happen, we realized it would start right as Just Heart’s support would end. I remember thinking that this was a real answer to prayer, and looking back I can see how Just Heart is an active force of love and goodness on earth helping to answer people’s tearful pleas for help. Our daughter had an extremely successful repair of her heart at four months old.

Just Heart helped us make it through our most difficult financial trial to date. Our family is now on the other side: Eliavah is healthy and thriving, and we have all been touched by the overwhelming generosity of Just Heart and its supporters. We thank G-d for Just Heart and all of those who make such an organization possible.

Aree Ogir