A child going through health problems especially those which are heart-related can be a painful thing for a parent to witness. However, one in 77 children are diagnosed with a heart condition in the United States alone.
Grace Callahan was just one of these children and her mother decided to use her daughter’s example to raise awareness about this fact…
Grace Callahan received a devastating diagnosis when she was just 11 days old, one which concerned her heart and was incredibly serious. At just six years old, she underwent heart transplant surgery.
Her mother Audrey Callahan made sure to stay strong throughout the entire ordeal. Now she is sharing her daughter’s journey in order to raise more awareness about this situation.
“The average heart in a child lasts about 17 years. We’re very blessed she’s 12 1/2 years out,” Grace’s mother Audrey said.
A lot of children who receive heart transplants have to constantly be under care and require regular visits to doctors. Some children who undergo a heart transplant, do not even survive the operation.
“We’ve known five or six children who’ve passed away waiting on the second heart and it’s a tough reality to live with, but she’s traveling along this journey despite the many complications that come with it,” Audrey recalled.
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But Grace was, fortunately, one of the lucky ones. She is still alive and thriving, and now studying to one day become a nurse!
But even with her heart transplant at such a young age, she still suffers from multiple issues with her health. Her mother Audrey says this was an issue they had been made ready for by doctors. “It does come with a lifetime of complications. So, they tell us during the transplant evaluation process that it’s not a cure you’re trading one set of problems for another,” Audrey said.
Similarly, for Grace, things have not all been smooth sailing since her transplant. She currently suffers from kidney disease and the developing stages of coronary artery disease as well.
“It is not a cure. They still have a lot of needs… and the funding for research is very important so that we can help hearts last a lot longer,” her mother added.
This brave girl has had to deal with so many health issues throughout her life but has still dedicated her life to save those of others.
We commend this young woman for her bravery. Share her story to show appreciation for what she is choosing to do with her life by becoming a nurse!