Seventh grader gets new heart

Video: Watch Paola only three days after her surgery

Paola Ruiz is an optimistic, soft-spoken patient on the Cardiology floor who wants to grow her hair long enough to be made into wigs for kids with cancer, swim in the Olympics and be a child life specialist at a hospital when she grows up. This 12-year-old was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and found out in May that she would need a new heart, but that hasn't stopped her from making plans. And it's a good thing she has her future mapped out, because on Aug. 25, Drs. Joseph Forbess, Kristine Guleserian and the heart team gave Paola a new lease on life.

Paola's heart transplant was the 13th performed at Children's this year and the 127th since the first one in 1988. Right now many kids at the hospital are in the midst of the same waiting game that Paola just experienced — 18 to be exact.

But while the waiting was hard, Paola remained optimistic.

"I got to see my family a lot since I had to stay home more and it brought us closer together," Paola said.

Paola's parents are thankful for that strong bond they created with their daughter as they handed her over for a life-saving surgery.

Thanks to the heart team, her transplant was seamless and Paola's heart beats perfectly in her chest. She only spent one day in the intensive care unit before being transferred to the Cardiology floor, and she will be on her way home tomorrow.

Paola's progress is absolutely amazing, especially since her transplant was trickier than most. She was diagnosed with dextrocardia, meaning her heart has complex plumbing. Her transplant had to be performed opposite of a typical one.

But before going home and starting her new life, this soon-to-be teenager and her parents must be prepared for a new regimen. To prevent rejection and infection, Paola will take 10 medications twice a day and will come to Children's twice a week to see Dr. Aliessa Barnes. They studied hard for a very important test on medications, symptoms of rejection and her immunity.

And they passed the test with flying colors. Now Paola can focus on all the plans she has for her life.

Check out the Children's blog to read more patient stories.

Tags: Paola Ruiz , Heart Transplant , Congenital Heart Defect , Intensive Care Unit , Cardiology , New Heart