Baby Jose returns to Alberta nearly 30 years after life-saving surgery

Nearly 30 years after a life-saving surgery, Baby Jose Moran Robles has returned to Edmonton, Canada, expressing gratitude to the city that helped him live a full and healthy life. Jose, born in Panama in 1996 with Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition called atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), underwent life-saving surgery when he was just 14-months-old.

AVSD is a congenital heart condition where holes are present in the walls between the heart's chambers and abnormal formation of the valves. If left untreated, it can lead to pulmonary hypertension, heart rhythm abnormalities, or heart failure. The surgery was not available in Panama, so the Robles family turned to Inclusion Alberta, a disability advocacy organization, for assistance.

Through their generosity and the support of Edmontonians, Jose and his family arrived in Canada in 1998, allowing him to have a healthy and independent life.

Now 30 years old, Jose enjoys a full life full of activities such as making art, horseback riding, dancing, and drumming in a marching band. He has even represented Panama in the Para Central American Games. In 2020, Jose's family spoke to Global News about his achievements and the positive impact the surgery had on his life. They also shared their gratitude towards the people of Edmonton and the medical team who helped Jose.

Jose's mother, Sadia, expressed her happiness to see him again and expressed her love for him. Dr. Ivan Rebeyka, the lead surgeon who performed the surgery, also expressed his joy at seeing Jose and the positive impact the city had on his life. Despite some remaining barriers for people with disabilities, the Robles family and the Edmonton community are grateful for the progress made and are excited to continue their relationship in the future.