Little Kimiko Robinson can today breathe a slight sigh of relief after Jamaicans here and in the diaspora pooled more than enough donations to fully cover the much-needed heart trip to the US the youngster requires.

On Wednesday, THE STAR highlighted the situation of 12-year-old Robinson who is badly in need of an open-heart surgery after rheumatic fever severely damaged the organ.

Her cardiologist, Dr William Foster, said specialists in the States, Dr Omar Boston and the Le Bonheur Hospital of Memphis, had granted Kimiko a golden opportunity, having agreed to do the operation voluntarily. The problem however was a lack of funding.

According to Foster, $28,000 was needed to offset the interviewing - processing costs of visas at the US Embassy for both Kimiko and her mother. There was also an estimated US$250 needed for accommodation on the trip and airfare to the tune of $55,000 each.

"Our cup runneth over," Foster said while speaking with THE STAR last week. "The expense for Kimiko trip is more than covered. She is going to the embassy on Monday (yesterday) and hopefully we can get her to the States by Wednesday (tomorrow)."

The cardiologist said the kind contributions has renewed much hope in the journey to bettering the youngster's situation and the family. "We are really appreciative," he said. "A monepic is a one-word sentence and 'Thanks' is my favourite monepic. Thanks to everybody."