Gracie was diagnosed in utero with a heart defect. The left side of her heart was not working. One week after giving birth she had her first surgery - the first step in helping her body survive.
Unfortunately due to complications, she had to have a 2nd surgery. They determined she was well enough to go home, but she soon returned to Phoenix Children's Hospital where her medical team decided the best action would be a heart transplant. Due to her condition, she was moved up on the list as priority and 12 days later they found a match and performed the surgery the next day. Although her chest had to remain open due to her heart being too big for her body, Gracie fought through and is now a happy 5-year-old.
She has had quite the journey since her transplant. She most recently had a stroke last July and we have been going to therapies three times a week at PCH. Her family says they absolutely love PCH and everything the hospital has done for them. Gracie is still getting back to herself after the stroke, but she is a brave little girl with a positive attitude.
For more information about donating to Phoenix Children's, go to PCHHeroes.com.
