Bella Jordan, a 2-month-old baby, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart’s main pumping chamber becomes enlarged, causing the tissue to thin and pump with less force. Bella’s organs were affected due to her enlarged heart, and she was in critical condition, needing a heart transplant. After being placed on a transplant waiting list, she was transferred to Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital where she was put on a mechanical ventricular assist device known as the Berlin Heart to help maintain blood flow. Finally, after five months of waiting, Bella received a heart transplant successfully performed by pediatric and congenital heart surgeon Dr. Hani Najm.
Post-surgery, Bella did not experience any heart transplant rejection but was behind on developmental milestones due to spending most of her life in the hospital. She then went to Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, where she thrived and made significant progress through feeding therapy. Bella was finally able to go home just in time to celebrate her first birthday, although she still relies on a feeding tube. Despite this, Bella is now crawling and standing up on her own and continues therapy and checkups. Her prognosis is excellent, and her supportive family is grateful for the gift of life given by the donor’s family.
Angie Voisard, Bella’s mother, expresses her gratitude for Bella’s improved health and encourages others in similar situations to remain hopeful and positive throughout their difficult times. Bella’s inspiring journey and bright future serve as a testament to the power of medical care and a supportive family.