LEXI

Our vibrant daughter Lexi, an active and seemingly healthy child, found her joy in dancing, dedicating hours to classes each week. A few years ago, however, Lexi's world took a turn as she began experiencing dizzy spells and fainting episodes. Lexi continued on…

It wasn't until the spring of 2016, during Lexi's annual check-up with her pediatrician, that her fainting spells caught the doctor's attention. An EKG led to further tests and a referral to a pediatric heart failure and transplant cardiologist at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

DIAGNOSIS

Lexi's diagnosis revealed a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy – her heart's walls were rigid, inhibiting proper pumping. Doctors shared the news that a new heart was needed, while her condition was managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments that sidelined her beloved dance.

In October 2016, at the age of 15, Lexi was placed on the heart transplant list. Time was not on her side. Instead, her heart rapidly deteriorated, forcing her into a precarious situation.

On February 3, 2017, Irene was unable to wake her for school. At some point during the morning, Lexi’s heart had gone into cardiac arrest and stopped working. Her skin was ashen, her lips were blue, and there was no movement. Todd immediately performed CPR on Lexi for about 10 minutes while waiting for first responders to arrive. It took paramedics an additional 17 minutes to acquire a faint pulse. Lexi was rushed to a local hospital where she was stabilized and then transported to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

Lexi’s struggle continued as she faced another cardiac arrest shortly after arriving. Emergency procedures and an external heart device followed, each moment fraught with uncertainty. Throughout, our solace was found in prayer and faith.

A HEART FOR LEXI

March 5 brought the awaited news – a heart was available for Lexi. On March 6, 2017, after 32 days in a medically induced coma, Lexi received her new heart. Her post-transplant journey involved 35 days of rehabilitation, relearning basic functions after days in and out of consciousness.

LIFE AFTER TRANSPLANT

Lexi's new chapter is defined by a new normal. Daily anti-rejection medications and vigilant monitoring shape her days. Yet, she now embraces a hopeful future.

While much of her time at the hospital remains a blur, Lexi recalls the moment she learned of her transplant: