OMAHA, NEBRASKA, USA: A family’s long struggle has taken a hopeful turn as four-year-old Andrew Grundmann recently received a groundbreaking partial heart transplant in North Carolina. This rare procedure, performed by Dr. Joseph Turek at Duke University, is only the 35th of its kind globally. Andrew’s parents, Kimberly and Joe, expressed immense gratitude for the anonymous donor who funded their private flight back to Nebraska following the surgery.
Andrew has faced a significant health challenge due to his rare heart condition, truncus arteriosus, diagnosed while Kimberly was pregnant. After undergoing a series of surgeries, including an open-heart surgery shortly after birth, his condition worsened, prompting the family to seek alternative treatment options when insurance denied a new heart. Their perseverance led them to Dr. Turek, known for pioneering the partial heart transplant technique designed to connect part of Andrew’s heart to healthy valves, allowing it to grow as he does.
Just a week and a half prior to the operation, the family received the call they’d been waiting for. Upon waking from surgery, the change in Andrew was immediate and astounding, with his parents noting a significant boost in his energy levels. The family feels cautiously optimistic about Andrew’s recovery and is thankful for the outpouring of support they’ve received through donations and social media, helping alleviating the costs associated with the procedure.
Looking ahead, the Grundmann family plans to celebrate Andrew’s journey by hosting a heart awareness event next year, aiming to raise further awareness and thank those who played a role in their son’s miraculous recovery. Andrew’s spirited demeanor serves as an inspiration, reminding others facing similar obstacles to be brave.
