For Juniper’s parents, her first birthday is an extra special occasion, one that they will forever cherish. That’s because the little girl almost didn’t survive to see it.
Weeks after Juniper was born she was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. The disease decreases the heart’s left ventricle from pumping blood effectively and meant that desperate measures would have to be taken if she was going to make it.
At 7 weeks old she had to be put on a special lifesaving machine to stay alive. She remained on the machine for 6 months while waiting for a heart transplant donor. Doctors gave her 50/50 odds of getting to transplant. The family wished for a miracle, but it was a wish tinged with sadness, knowing their daughter’s life depended on another child losing theirs.
Then on September 17, 2014, another family selflessly donated their child’s heart to save Juniper’s life. Just eight days after her transplant, Juniper was able to check out of Children’s Hospital Colorado.
And recently she celebrated her 1st birthday. Her parents wanted to give her donor’s family and extra special thank you and recorded this beautiful video as a way of expressing their eternal gratitude to the family who said “yes” and to honor donor families everywhere.
“While today is a happy one for us, there is another family who is mourning the anniversary of losing their child, and that is never far from our thoughts, Juniper’s parents write. “Here is a video we’ve created for them and for every donor family. May you know just what “yes” has meant for families like ours. Please watch, share and tell others why you’re an organ donor. There is no greater gift than the gift of life!”
Share this heartfelt video and spread the message of how important organ donation is with your friends and family!
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