“We don’t feel it is safe to continue with any further surgical repairs… we believe your daughter needs a heart transplant.” My entire soul left my body when I heard her surgeon say these words. We first found out about Oakleys heart condition when I was 20 weeks pregnant. They told me Oakley had a hole in both the upper and lower chambers of her heart and her heart was also on the right side of her chest where most of us have our hearts on the left. She had her first heart surgery at just 6 weeks old and then another open heart surgery at two. I always knew Oakley’s heart was complex but I never imagined us walking the road of heart transplant and now looking back I truly had no idea how long the road would actually be. She was six years old when she went in for another open heart surgery and a few hours into the surgery is when the surgeon came in to tell us that surgery was no longer an option for Oakley. Her heart was too complex and her heart failure was becoming more severe. This was the first time in Oakleys life that transplant was discussed and shortly after this conversation she was listed for a heart transplant. As the days passed Oakley was getting more and more tired and even things like walking into the grocery store became too difficult so the team decided it was time for Oakley to be admitted and put on a continuous IV infusion to help her heart failure. We knew she would remain in the hospital until she recieved her miralce. Everyday was filled with so many unknowns and as each day passed my heart just ached a little bit more….she is seven years old. She should be at school having fun with her friends, playing on the monkey bars, and going to dance class. This was not the life I had ever envisioned for her but I truly believed the best was yet to come. On February 16, 2025 it was exactly 365 days inpatient when we finally got the call that they had accepted a heart for Oakley. After an entire year spent in the hospital, praying every single day for this phone call, she was finally getting her miracle. During another families darkest days, they said yes to organ donation. It’s the most selfless decision a parent could make and it is truly the ultimate gift. We know heart transplant is not a fix or a cure however, it is a second chance at a beautiful life. Any organ transplant is a journey, it’s not a sprint but a marathon. Oakleys transplant has forever changed me and has taught me to slow down and enjoy every little moment. Our faith throughout this journey is what carried us through. God reminds us that even in the hardest circumstances full of unknowns, joy can be found. After 385 days inpatient Oakley finally went home. Her once blue lips are now a beautiful pink. She can now run and play with her Little brother… I am just enjoying every moment soaking it all in. I’ve learned the little moments are the big moments and I never want to take that for granted again. Although I have no idea who Oakleys donor is, I think about them and their family all the time. Words will never do it justice to express my gratitude. I am forever grateful for them and their decision to say yes. Their yes, saved Oakleys life. A true miracle, all because of a donor ❤️

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A Little Background From Oakley's Mom:

At only 20 weeks pregnant we were told Oakley would need open heart surgery and likely more than one. Oakley is now 7 years old and has gone through two heart surgeries. One at 6 weeks and the other at 2 years old. From various surgeries, to heart caths, doctor appointments, ultrasounds, MRI’s, x-rays and blood work over the years we have learned that it is not an easy journey. However, Oakley has truly changed us…her strength inspires us to be better people every single day.
We have recently been faced with the news that Oakley’s heart can no longer be repaired. She is currently in heart failure and the cardiac surgeons feel surgery would be too risky. With that being said she has now waiting inpatient 8 months at Dell Childrens hospital for a heart transplant. It was a very difficult decision but Oakley has now been transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston to give her the best chance at receiving her miracle heart. The waiting and unknowns are just excruciating. Without a heart transplant we have been told Oakley would roughly have 2-4 years left with us. It’s so hard to believe this is where we are at with Oakleys journey but with faith, prayers and all the love and support around us I know we will get through this. I can’t thank you enough for your continued prayers for Oakley and our family during this time. I am forever grateful and I know Oaks is so incredibly loved! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

-Kennidi (Oakley’s mom)

Isaiah 41:10 ”Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”