I am Belen Blanton-Altuve, President of the Estrellita de Belen Foundation. Born with a congenital heart defect called tricuspid atresia, I underwent just one surgery to correct it, whereas today’s standards often require three or more follow-up procedures.
Having moved to the United States over 30 years ago, I’ve faced numerous health challenges, but thanks to excellent care, I’m still alive today. Now, I dedicate my life to advocating for children with congenital heart diseases in my native Venezuela.
Our foundation provides vital resources, including appointment scheduling, medical supplies, nutritional supplements, and necessary procedures to repair these young hearts. Having been fortunate enough to afford my own care over the years, I felt compelled to give back.
Our vision is simple yet profound: to create a world where every child possesses a mighty heart.
Fundación Estrellita de Belén is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children born with congenital heart disease—the most common birth defect in the world. Our founder is a survivor of this condition and turned her personal experience into a lifelong mission: to ensure that no child dies due to lack of access to medical care.
We primarily serve vulnerable communities, with a special focus on the Hispanic community in Jacksonville, Florida, and critically ill children in Venezuela. Our work ranges from providing medical procedures and specialized tests to running awareness campaigns, educational programs, and mental health support for families.
At Estrellita de Belén, we believe every heart deserves a chance—and we fight every day to help more children live, grow, and dream.
Fundación Estrellita de Belén is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children born with congenital heart disease—the most common birth defect in the world. Our founder is a survivor of this condition and turned her personal experience into a lifelong mission: to ensure that no child dies due to lack of access to medical care.
We primarily serve vulnerable communities, with a special focus on the Hispanic community in Jacksonville, Florida, and critically ill children in Venezuela. Our work ranges from providing medical procedures and specialized tests to running awareness campaigns, educational programs, and mental health support for families.
At Estrellita de Belén, we believe every heart deserves a chance—and we fight every day to help more children live, grow, and dream.
At Fundación Estrellita de Belén, we work through a compassionate network of volunteer doctors, partner hospitals, donors, and collaborating organizations across the United States and Latin America.
Thanks to fundraising campaigns, grants, benefit events such as our annual gala, and the generous support of our community, we fund surgical procedures, cardiology consultations, specialized tests, medications, and medical transportation for children with congenital heart disease.
We also lead educational and awareness programs in schools, clinics, and community spaces—particularly aimed at Hispanic families—to promote early diagnosis and continuous access to care.
Everything we do is guided by love, commitment, and transparency, firmly believing that together, we can save hearts and change lives.
Fundación Estrellita de Belén was born from love and the urgent need to act—and today, it stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of families.
Every surgery, every consultation, and every gesture of emotional support has been made possible by the collective commitment of those who believe that every life deserves a chance.
We have shown that even in the most difficult circumstances, unity, empathy, and action can make a real difference.
Our mission remains strong: to heal hearts, walk alongside families, and give a voice to those facing congenital heart disease without resources or recognition.
We will continue fighting with determination, faith, and love—because every child deserves to grow, dream, and live fully.
And because as long as there is one heart beating with hope, our work will never stop.
Emotional and Physical Support at Every Stage of Life
At Fundación Estrellita de Belén, we walk alongside children and youth with congenital heart disease throughout their entire journey—from diagnosis in early childhood to the transition into adulthood.
We understand that living with a heart condition requires more than just medical interventions; it demands compassion, understanding, and continuous support.
Our vision is clear: that every child with congenital heart disease can grow, learn, dream, and live fully surrounded by a loving and supportive network that walks with them through every heartbeat of their life.
