Amber's Story
Some twenty-plus years ago, a very special baby girl was born at 5lbs. 11oz. A few days later, the baby girl was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease that was genetically passed down from generations of heart disease. It was a nightmare come true for everyone in her life. At 8 days old, the baby and her mother were sent to Hawaii, where she underwent extensive surgery to correct her heart ailment. Doctors at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children were very proud of the outcome of the surgery and did not anticipate any further heart surgery until the baby was at least in her late teens.
A couple of years later, during a routine heart check-up by specialists in Hawaii, doctors noticed the 2-year-old girl had developed a very complicated medical condition in her heart that required more surgery. Being that her medical condition was just too complicated; doctors decided it was best to send her to San Diego, where she would undergo yet another surgery at the Children’s Hospital. With the help of friends, family and people in the community, the 2-year-old girl and her mother were able to go to San Diego, where she was able to undergo a miraculous surgery that was then an experimental procedure. It was her only hope. The fact that this type of stent procedure had never before been performed on anyone in the nation earned her a spot on CBS News, and later CNN.
Years later, the girl went through 3 more surgeries. During her surgery in 2004, the girl and her mother stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where she again became famous for her musical talent, friendly demeanor, and in spite of all her medical challenges, positive attitude. She was featured in the Ronald McDonald monthly Newsletter, and later became a recipient of the Make a Wish Foundation. A few months later, her dream of making a CD of songs and music written by her, came true.
A couple of years later, during a routine heart check-up by specialists in Hawaii, doctors noticed the 2-year-old girl had developed a very complicated medical condition in her heart that required more surgery. Being that her medical condition was just too complicated; doctors decided it was best to send her to San Diego, where she would undergo yet another surgery at the Children’s Hospital. With the help of friends, family and people in the community, the 2-year-old girl and her mother were able to go to San Diego, where she was able to undergo a miraculous surgery that was then an experimental procedure. It was her only hope. The fact that this type of stent procedure had never before been performed on anyone in the nation earned her a spot on CBS News, and later CNN.
Years later, the girl went through 3 more surgeries. During her surgery in 2004, the girl and her mother stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, where she again became famous for her musical talent, friendly demeanor, and in spite of all her medical challenges, positive attitude. She was featured in the Ronald McDonald monthly Newsletter, and later became a recipient of the Make a Wish Foundation. A few months later, her dream of making a CD of songs and music written by her, came true.
Despite all her challenges, personal and medical, this girl has turned into a remarkable young woman. She is living testimony that miracles do happen. Her name is Amber Lynn Rosario Mendiola-Romolor. She has been an active health advocate in the CNMI, the Micronesian Islands, and the United States in the battle against Non-Communicable Diseases. She leads with passion within the CNMI community, the education and intervention of diseases that have taken over the lives of many individuals.
So much has happened since then. Amber got married, and has three beautiful children! Amber continues to showcase her leadership in public health in the CNMI and in our region, and tries her best to balance her professional responsibilities with her duties as a mom to Daydin, Connie, and Journey, and wife to Dino. Five heart surgeries have not stopped her from living her life on her terms and endeavoring to share her life and her love with those around her.
Today, Amber needs your help as she prepares herself for another heart surgery. In June, 2023, we found out that Amber will have to undergo a complete stent and valve replacement. While her insurance will cover much of her medical expenses, it won’t cover all the expenses associated with seeking medical care away from our home island. Any amount will help ease the financial burden of Amber’s surgery and ease the associated stress of having to figure out how to make ends meet while seeking medical care.
So much has happened since then. Amber got married, and has three beautiful children! Amber continues to showcase her leadership in public health in the CNMI and in our region, and tries her best to balance her professional responsibilities with her duties as a mom to Daydin, Connie, and Journey, and wife to Dino. Five heart surgeries have not stopped her from living her life on her terms and endeavoring to share her life and her love with those around her.
Today, Amber needs your help as she prepares herself for another heart surgery. In June, 2023, we found out that Amber will have to undergo a complete stent and valve replacement. While her insurance will cover much of her medical expenses, it won’t cover all the expenses associated with seeking medical care away from our home island. Any amount will help ease the financial burden of Amber’s surgery and ease the associated stress of having to figure out how to make ends meet while seeking medical care.
We appreciate any and all donations and prayers as we navigate this medical journey with her.