13-year-old Macey Rae Wright was born with severe aortic stenosis and mitral stenosis, two heart conditions that narrow and restrict the openings of major blood vessels connected to the heart.
Immediately after she was born, doctors performed surgery on her heart to give her a chance at living a (more) normal life. This initial surgery to improve the conditions of her birth defects worked fairly well in supporting Macey’s huge dreams and goals for herself; she’s an aspiring Olympic gymnast, musician, cardiologist, and dancer.
About two years ago, Macey’s heart began to fail.
When she was just 11 years old, Macey underwent two open heart surgeries. The first was unsuccessful; the second happened in response to the first operation. Macey’s heart was failing and her organs were slowly ceasing to respond.
She spent nine days in the ICU as doctors attempted to repair her already-compromised mitral valve.
Although her doctors were able to stabilize Macey’s condition, they knew it was only a temporary solution. Macey would inevitably need a new heart to live her life to the fullest. Her heart was no longer strong enough to support her.
Macey was placed on the transplant list, and she began to wait.
Just a few weeks ago, two years after Macey was told she needed a heart transplant, the Wright family finally received a call from the doctors.
There was a donor heart that matched Macey, and she should get ready to head to the hospital to receive it.
Macey and family were ecstatic at the news, but the former was admittedly anxious before she went into the operating room. The doctors calmed her before the procedure, and all ended up well.
The surgery was a huge success.
Though Macey is struggling with some complications post-op, these situations aren’t anything too serious for the doctors to handle, and she now has fresh heart to conquer her health problems.
You can support the Wright family and Macey’s journey to recovery here, and get to see the young girl for yourself here:
