Natalie's New Heart

My beautiful, sassy niece, Natalie Munroe (now 8 years old), suffers from a very rare heart condition which includes (but is not limited to) Pulmonary Artresia, Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Small Atrium and Interrupted IVC. She has undergone three open heart surgeries in her short life, her first at just a few days old. About five years ago, she had her third (and what we were hoping was her final) open heart surgery and after a short time it was apparent that unfortunately that surgery was not as successful as we all hoped it would be.

In May of 2024, we took a trip to the Children's Hospital of Houston with the hope and anticipation that they would be able to provide some surgical intervention to assist Natalie's heart and lungs. After a very long week of testing we received the unexpected news that there were no further surgical interventions that could be done to help and the only hope that remained was to immediately put Natalie on a transplant list.

Natalie's condition continued to decline, ultimately leading to her inability to be at school or enjoy the life and normal activities of an eight year old little girl. Her transplant waiting list status was bumped up and she was put on 24/7 oxygen support with a high probability of hospitalization at any moment due to more underlying complications as her body and organs were struggling to keep up.

On May 18th, a year after our trip to Houston, we got the call; We have a heart.

Reality set in as well as ALL the emotions, terror, anxiety, guilt, excitement, hope and of course having lost our brother who was a donor (Natalie's Uncle Josh) unexpectedly in a car accident just 4 short weeks prior, all of the compassion and heartache for the family on the other end of this life-giving miracle, who was saying goodbye to someone so precious to them in order for this to happen.

After a grueling and challenging 15 hour surgery, and what her surgeon claimed was the most complicated case of his career, Natalie has a new heart and a new chance at a "normal" life.

Recovery is a long and tedious process and requires her to be hospitalized for likely a month before moving into the Ronald McDonald House for an extended stay within minutes of the hospital while she is still in the critical first year. Most meals are order-in or hospital cafeteria. Amy will not be able to work during this process creating a significant financial strain on her and the boys while she attempts to maintain the family home as well as all of the expenses of her extended stay in Durham.

If you feel led, I know she would appreciate (but would never ask for) your support. We are forever thankful of your prayers and support.

Heather Dickerson Bryner, Natalie's Aunt ❤️

You can learn more about Natalie's journey here: Natalies Mended Heart