SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - A Utah family has been desperate for a miracle to save their baby daughter in need of a heart transplant. In an effort to buy time, they attempted a procedure that is not yet approved by the FDA. It was the first time ever that this procedure has been performed in Utah.
Kaidence Stephenson was born healthy on February 23, 2007. At five-months-old, Kaidence went to see the doctor for an ear infection.
"We found out that she had cardio miopathy which is dilation of the heart," said Shauntelle Stephenson, Kaidence's mother.
Her heart was shutting down. In fact, Kaidence's heart capacity was just 15 percent. She had three options: she could get better; she could take medications for the rest of her life; or she could get a heart transplant.
"Our world just got turned upside down...We were heartbroken, but optimistic," said Shauntelle.
Her family's optimism faded last October when Kaidence's heart function dropped to three percent.
"Kaidence was listed for a heart and nothing was coming available," said Shauntelle.
She was slipping away and doctors had given her only three days left to live. Then Primary Children's Medical Center came up with a new option, an artificial heart known as the Berlin Heart. It was yet to be approved by the FDA for pediatric use and had never before been used in Utah. Kaidence was the first.
"It was such a blessing and you know we are so grateful because that saved her life," said Shauntelle.
The artificial heart took over for the weak left side of her heart, but by December, the right side also showed signs of failure. The Stephensons prayed for a miracle, a donor heart.
"On December 23, we got a phone call telling us that Kaidence had a heart," said Shauntelle.
Amid the joy of receiving what they had so desperately hoped for was sorrow and pain at the realization of the price being paid.
"We are so grateful that a family was so willing to give us our miracle while they were living their nightmare," said Shauntelle. "We will forever be grateful."
The Stephensons are now committed to educating people about the importance of organ donation. To find out more, visit
www.idslife.org.
