Shelby's Miracle Heart Transplant

 

Shelby has an amazing story of hope. 
She was born with a heart defect and was told 
that she needed to receive a heart transplant 
before she turned 13 years old. 
She is currently 10 and just received her miracle 
heart this week. With the permission 
of her family, I am setting up this gofundme
 account to help with the financial burden that 
the family will face with costs associated with 
her medical care, lodging expenses, and travel. 
Please keep Shelby in your prayers. 
We are very grateful that God has given her 
this new heart. Please pray for the grieving 
family who lost their child. Their selfless act 
of love became a miracle for Shelby. 
Please pray that her body continues to 
accept this wonderful gift and that she will 
thrive with this strong, healthy heart! 
~ Beverly Henry




A note from her Aunt:
Shelby lives in Keyes, Ca with her Dad, Bonus Mom and 5 siblings!  She is ten years old and was born with a congenital defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  HLHS, for short, is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart.  As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly.  Shelby has had many surgeries and has taken medication all her life.  She has always had blue lips and fingers due to the poor circulation.  She would tire easily and has always wanted to be able to run and play just like other children her age can.  Shelby has badly needed a new heart and that miracle came on October 3, 2015.  The morning of the 3rd her father received a call saying they found a heart for Miss Shelby.  They packed their things and started the 7 hour drive to UCLA.  Her surgery time was set for 6:30pm.  After checking in, a few tests and some labwork they anxiously waited for her new heart.  After a few delays, Shelby was finally taken to the operating room.  Her broken heart was taken out just before midnight and her new heart was put in and started pumping just after midnight on October 4, 2015.  The Doctor said the heart was perfect for her and very strong.  Shelby is still recovering in the hospital and has a bright and hopeful outlook on life.  Amazingly, Shelby no longer has blue lips or extremities!!  These last few days have been a whirlwind of excitement, sadness and hope.  We know that another family had to say goodbye to their precious child.  An unimaginable event that happened to one family turned into a miracle for ours.  There are no words we can say to express our gratitude to this grieving family.  They have had a great sacrifice in giving the gift of life in the form of organ donation!
With gratitude and Love,
Kirsten (Shelby's Aunt) and family
 
What's next for Miss Shelby?
 
Shelby will continue her recovery in LA until she is well enough to return to her home in Keyes.  Although she will be released from the hospital she will need to live in a sterile environment with close proximity to UCLA.  She will stay with her dad in housing near the hospital so they can easily get to and from medical appointments.  For fear of her body rejecting her new heart and infection, this will be the best for her.  While they are in LA, her siblings and bonus mom will come home to resume normal life, with occasional trips to LA for a visit.  Her Mother will also come home and make travel to see her as she is able. 
 
Although other fundraisers have been done for Shelby in the past, with the many trips prior to her Heart Transplant the costs for travel and hotel and time off of work has caused financial stress for the family.  If you have been touched by Shelby's journey and find it in your heart to donate we would be so grateful.  If you are unable, we ask for a simple prayer and blessings over Shelby and her family for a steady recovery.