Generosity allowed the youngster from Vila-real to undergo surgery in Boston for a complex heart condition
With a massive smile on her face, Zoe Prieto Branchadell turned two on Monday with the best present possible, her health. The youngster from Vila-real underwent surgery in Boston for a complex heart condition (Tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia) on 27th January thanks to the generosity of everyone. The operation was a complete success and in fact, the planned second surgery will now not have to take place until Zoe turns ten. A complete success. After undergoing surgery on 27th January, Zoe was discharged on 10th February, returning home to Vila-real on 1st March.
Since then, it’s only been good news. Zoe is happy. She plays, she cries… Everything that you would expect from a two-year-old. But without any physical limitations. That’s the good news. She has to undergo regular check-ups, but nothing that is beyond the normal.
In case you had forgotten, at the end of 2020, the Prieto Branchadell family launched a message asking for help. They needed 172,000 Euros so Zoe could undergo surgery, as well as the money necessary to subsidise the time spent in the United States. They ended up raising more than 200,000 Euros.
Villarreal CF joined the fight. In a record time, and thanks to a number of donations, both anonymously and from fans, first-team played and board members, Zoe was able to undergo surgery at the Boston Children’s Hospital.
The club made the cause as visible as possible, giving advertising space at the Estadio de la Cerámica to businesses who collaborated with donations. Everything raised went to Zoe.
It was an intense campaign, because time was running out. Her story was even mentioned by Movistar+ commentator Miguel Ángel Roman, who during Villarreal’s game away to RC Celta, explained all the details of the campaign. The club thanked him personally.
Villarreal CF players, as well as supporting Zoe economically, also donated signed shirts at a special price. Athletic Club and Levante UD also got involved, donating shirts signed by their players.
Thank you to everyone who got involved. Our warrior Zoe is now smiling.
