A Heartfelt Mission: Life-Saving Pediatric Cardiac Surgeries Come to Puerto Vallarta

In a beautiful union of compassion, medicine, and community spirit, Unidos de Corazón—a powerful alliance of nonprofit and private entities—has launched its first pediatric heart surgery mission in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. This life-saving initiative is part of the larger “Corazón de Niño” program, a beacon of hope for children with congenital heart defects in Mexico.

From April 3 to 9, 2025, a team of dedicated medical professionals and volunteers will carry out the 14th Jornada Unidos de Corazón, marking the very first time this program expands beyond Baja California Sur into the vibrant coastal city of Puerto Vallarta.

This pioneering effort is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Ayuda a Corazón de Niño A.C., Hospiten México, Amigos de los Niños A.C., Philips, Terumo, and the municipal government and DIF Puerto Vallarta, with the generous support of local businesses and hotels, including Meliá Hotels.

A Life-Changing Mission

The goal of this inaugural journey in Puerto Vallarta is to provide surgical treatment to 15 children suffering from life-threatening congenital heart conditions, including catheterizations and cardiac ablations to treat arrhythmias. Each child will be carefully evaluated to ensure they are in optimal health before undergoing their procedure.

This program is more than just a medical mission—it’s a symbol of unity, love, and access to healthcare. With a track record of success, the Corazón de Niño program has treated over 250 children in the past eight years, granting these little warriors a second chance at life.

Healing Beyond Medicine

What truly sets Unidos de Corazón apart is its holistic and human approach. The team doesn’t just treat the body—they care for the emotional well-being of the children and their families. One beautiful example is the use of “Diego and I Go to the Hospital,” an illustrated book that gently prepares young patients for their surgeries in a friendly, age-appropriate way. It helps demystify the hospital experience and gives the children courage and peace of mind before facing their procedure.

A Model of Medical Excellence

The Corazón de Niño medical model has proven successful in Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo, and now, Puerto Vallarta becomes the third state to embrace this impactful project. The success of the mission depends not only on the medical team but also on the community’s support—from hospital facilities and government involvement to individual donors and corporate sponsors.

Hospiten Puerto Vallarta plays a crucial role by opening its doors and becoming a host hospital, and the local municipal government and SMDIF Vallarta have embraced the cause, recognizing the urgent need for access to specialized pediatric cardiac care in the region.

A Call to Action

This isn’t just a story of surgeries—it’s a story of superheroes. Children who fight every day for their chance to run, play, laugh, and live. Unidos de Corazón is a movement that brings together people from all walks of life for one noble cause: giving every child the heart—and chance—they deserve.

If you want to be part of this transformative mission, visit www.corazondenino.org or follow the project on Instagram at @corazondeninobcs. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps save lives.

Because every heartbeat counts.