Moline Girl, 3, Receives Best Birthday Present Of All: A New Heart

(WLS) — CHICAGO (WLS) — Delilah Edwards, 3, of Moline, has experienced more in her short life than most people have in a lifetime.

She turned three on Saturday, and she helped Lurie Children’s Hospital celebrate its 400th heart transplant.

Delilah’s new heart arrived a few weeks ago, and she and her family are finally back together.

The Edwards family does not take for granted a daughter dashing into her father’s arms.

Delilah has had ten operations and has spent almost half of her life in hospitals due to a severe cardiac disease.

She had two congenital heart abnormalities before she was born: hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a double outlet right ventricle. Both abnormalities impact how blood flows to the heart and must be treated as soon as a kid is born in order for the youngster to survive.

“We always stay positive, but we’re always prepared for anything to happen at any time,” her father, Ryan Edwards, said.

“You know, there’s just so much we physicians can do.”

Those physicians did, after all, save her life. Her parents received word in late October that their daughter would be getting a new heart. It’s what they’ve been waiting for for almost seven months.

“A flurry of emotions, all at once,” said Samantha Davidson, the mother. “Yes, it’s all happening at the same time. Pure delight, pure joy, pure joy, pure joy, pure joy, pure joy, pure joy, “Edwards concurred.

A new heart, as well as a slew of new toys. Delilah is exceeding all expectations following her transplant, and her family is soaking it all in on her third birthday.

Delilah is exceeding all expectations following her transplant, and her family is soaking it all in on her third birthday.

“Her course was simply exceptional. I mean, she’s had no post-heart-surgery issues, which is unusual to see at times “Megan Miniat, Delilah’s nurse, stated

Her presence has also changed the ambience on the hospital’s 22nd level.

“On this floor, her grin is extremely contagious. She literally illuminates the entire flat. And it’s always a nice day when she comes around in her wagon “Caroline Baubonis, a nurse, expressed her thoughts.

Delilah might be back home in a matter of days, bringing the Edward family back to normalcy after three years.

“This is unquestionably a watershed moment for both us and her. This is her chance to shine “Edwards stated.

“It’s a little bittersweet… we’re going to miss her,” Miniat remarked.

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