Saving Baby Deo: Part 2

Deo’s journey to a healed heart was just beginning. Shelly Kelly and Sheena Basemera needed to transport Deo from New York City to Cleveland Clinic, where a team of doctors were anxiously awaiting his arrival. During the nine-hour drive, the team was praying that Deo would make it to the doctors. God gave them strength, and they were able to endure a difficult journey, caring for Deo every step of the way. God continued to work miracles.

Soon after arriving in Cleveland, Deo underwent a successful heart surgery, but the team was informed that he also needed another surgery to repair his trachea. This was a time of deep prayer, as they waited for Deo to heal from his first surgery and prepare for the next. Shelly Kelly talked about how she was grateful they did not know about this defect in advance because Deo may not have been deemed well enough to travel.

“God even covers our eyes to some things. He covers our eyes and doesn't allow us to see everything, not just to protect us, but because He's going to reveal it to us later so that we can be even more in awe of who He is and see His glory. He's just amazing that way.”— Shelly Kelly

Deo was finally discharged after weeks in the hospital, and the team rejoiced. He had a long way to go, but he was strong. While Deo recovered, he stayed with a host family, the Lindens. Tammy and Joe wanted to bless Deo, but he ended up blessing them more than they could have imagined. One of our podcast correspondents, Kaitlyn, got to talk with the Lindens to hear how God orchestrated all of this and how Deo quickly became a part of their family.

“Deo has just grown so much since he's been here and gotten stronger every day. When he first came, he could take a few steps, and now he just runs and plays and giggles and laughs, and he's got a smile that just melts your heart.” — Tammy Linden

As Deo continued to heal after surgery, the team was amazed by how well he was doing. Not only was Deo’s heart healing physically, but also spiritually.

“So, he runs up to me and says, ‘Do you know? Jesus loves the little children and Jesus loves Deo?’ And it warms my heart for him to know that and who Jesus Christ is. So, it's just amazing. He's a totally new child.” — Sheena Basemera

The Cleveland Clinic doctor who performed the surgery said it is likely that Deo won't need any further operations in the future. Now, Deo can play and be a normal kid.

Sheena, Joe, Tammy, Shelly, and Cindy shared their hopes for Deo’s future as he returns home.

“We saw God's hand in his life throughout this entire journey, and the Lord just really brought him back from the brink of death. And he's so vibrant now, and he has such an amazing personality, and he loves Jesus. And I know when he goes back, he's going to be a witness to so many people for Christ.” — Cindy Bonsall

Thank you for following along as we had the opportunity to share Deo’s miracle story. Please continue to pray for this young boy and for the work of Children’s Heart Project around the world. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.