Isabella is a spunky bundle of joy and energy.

Although the now 11-year-old had regular doctors’ appointments throughout her young life at the Children’s Hospital Colorado Child Health Clinic, she never exhibited any symptoms of an underlying condition.

But in late 2021, as the holidays were approaching, Isabella’s wellbeing took an unexpected turn. She contracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Through Isabella’s diagnosis, doctors discovered a more alarming health problem – she was in heart failure. The little girl had an enlarged heart, and her congenital defect was so severe that she needed immediate care, and ultimately a heart transplant.

In May 2022, Isabella was given the ultimate gift – a new heart – and a new chance at life. She recuperated over the next few weeks and then was discharged to go home.

Isabella now comes to Children’s Colorado every four months for checkups. Her care team says she has done a great job of caring for herself, and her family has been a great partner, too, making sure that she continues to get stronger and thrive. Her story is a living testament the boundless capacity of the human heart.

A very special donor is at the center of every transplant story. We thank the many families who help make our extraordinary care possible.