Teen raffles piano for life-saving surgery amid alleged IPS neglect

The family of 14-year-old Lucero Cristal in Paraguay is resorting to raffling her cherished piano to finance her fourth complex thoracic surgery. Lucero suffers from Pectus Excavatum, a rare genetic condition causing her sternum to grow inward, compressing her lungs and heart. Despite her parents contributing to the Institute of Social Security (IPS) for 24 years, they allege the institution has denied coverage and necessary medical supplies for her treatment.

Lucero, who has not attended school in person since 2021 due to severe pain, found emotional solace in her piano. Understanding the urgency of her health situation, she agreed to part with the instrument for the raffle. The surgery is critical, especially as she deals with a chronic open wound between her ribs, a complication from metal bars implanted in August 2023 to correct her chest deformity. This wound constantly bleeds and becomes infected, necessitating costly corticosteroid patches only available from a single laboratory in Paraguay.

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The instrument, which is in impeccable condition, was acquired years ago. For Lucero, who has not attended school in person since 2021 due to intense pain, the piano was her main psychological support.

The family's struggle highlights what they describe as the "disregard" of the IPS. While the institute provided the operating room for the 2023 surgery, it allegedly refused to supply the required medical consumables, reagents, and specialized post-operative medication. This situation forces the family to bear significant expenses for Lucero's ongoing care, pushing them to sell her piano to cover the costs of her upcoming surgery scheduled for August 22, 2026.

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The 'disregard' of the IPS in the face of 24 years of contributions.