Mend a Broken Heart: Rotary Clubs Unite to Save Young Lives Through PDA Surgeries

In a powerful demonstration of Rotary’s commitment to maternal and child health, several Rotary Clubs  have joined forces under a global grant project titled “Mend a Broken Heart.” The initiative focuses on  providing life-saving Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) operations for patients ranging from infants to  young adults. 

For the Rotary theme of the month of July—Mother & Child—the project has already made a tangible  impact. To date, 10 patients have successfully undergone PDA surgery. The youngest was just 6 months  old, while the oldest was 29 years old. These procedures close an abnormal blood vessel that should  have closed shortly after birth, preventing serious heart complications and giving patients a healthier  future. 

The project is a collaborative effort supported by generous contributions from partner clubs: Rotary Club of Jung Ulsan – US$ 3,150 

Rotary Club of Balintawak – US$ 840 

Rotary Club of Angeles Kuliat – US$ 3,675 

Rotary Club of Dipolog – US$ 840 

Rotary Club of North EDSA – US$ 1,050 

The total budget for this global grant stands at US$ 43,729, with a target of 44 patients to receive the  life-changing surgery. With 10 procedures already completed, the remaining cases are expected to  follow in the coming months. 

This partnership highlights the strength of Rotary’s international network—clubs from different regions  pooling resources to address critical health needs. By focusing on mother and child health, the “Mend a  Broken Heart” project not only repairs hearts but also strengthens families and communities. 

More updates on the remaining surgeries will be shared as the project continues toward its goal of  helping 44 patients regain healthy, active lives. 

The Flagship Project 

Mend a Broken Heart is the flagship humanitarian project of the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo (RCMI) in  the Philippines. It provides free or heavily subsidized life-saving heart surgeries and interventions for  underprivileged children with congenital heart defects, primarily Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). 

Funding from local donors, Rotary Anns, international Rotary clubs (including partners in the USA, Japan,  and South Korea), and Rotary Foundation matching/global grants. 

One notable early matching grant supported surgeries for 61 children.

What is PDA? 

PDA is a condition in which a fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth. This causes abnormal blood flow  between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to symptoms such as weakness, easy fatigue, poor  growth, breathing difficulties, recurrent lung infections, and, if untreated, heart failure or shortened  lifespan. It is especially common in premature babies. 

Project History and Scope 

Launched: 2006 under Past President Ronnel Quiñon. 

It began by helping roughly 10 children per year and has grown significantly over time. 

Temporarily paused around 2010 due to funding constraints, then revived with support from Past  District Governor Edgar Sy, cardiovascular surgeon Rotarian Leo Malunes, and others. 

By around 2021 it had assisted nearly 100 children; more recent reports (2025) indicate it has provided  surgery to over 300 underprivileged children, mainly from Western Visayas and extending to other parts  of Visayas and Mindanao. 

How It Works? 

Full commercial costs for PDA correction typically range from Php 200,000–300,000 per patient (hospital  stay, cardiac catheterization lab, supplies, medicines, and professional fees). 

RCMI reduces this burden through: 

Partnerships with hospitals such as The Medical City Iloilo and West Visayas Medical Center (the  regional heart center). 

Pro-bono services from pediatric cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Provision of PDA occluders (devices used for catheter-based closure) in many cases. 

Impact and Recognition 

The project has been repeatedly recognized within Rotary (including Best Community Service Project  awards) and by local media for delivering “life-changing” and “life-saving” care. Club leaders emphasize  that demand always exceeds available funds, with waiting lists of children who need surgery. 

In short, Mend a Broken Heart turns an otherwise unaffordable, potentially fatal condition into a  treatable one for indigent Filipino children, giving them the chance at healthier, longer lives through  sustained Rotary partnership, medical collaboration, and community support.

Submitted by: Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo