Heart transplant gives Kansas teen new outlook after lifelong cardiac battle
Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
A 16-year-old Kansas patient is looking toward a future with fewer health limitations after receiving a heart transplant at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Kaylee Stuart of Hays, Kansas, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart does not fully develop, forcing the right side of the heart to perform the work of pumping blood throughout the body and to the lungs. After years of living with the condition, including multiple surgeries, Kaylee recently underwent a successful transplant that her family hopes will significantly improve her quality of life.
According to her father, Relaford Warren Stuart, the family was told to anticipate a wait of up to two years after Kaylee was added to the transplant list on April 6. Instead, a compatible donor heart became available just over six weeks later. The family received the call notifying them of a match and traveled quickly to Children’s Mercy, where the transplant procedure was performed.
Kaylee underwent surgery May 14. Her recovery progressed ahead of schedule, and she was discharged in mid-July. She will start her junior year in high school in August.