Her Heart Story ♥
Born with Transposition of the Great Arteries, Elyse fought her first battle before she was even a month old. This is how it all began.
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
In a healthy heart, the aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body, and the pulmonary artery carries oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. In TGA, these two arteries are switched.
This means the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood right back to the lungs instead of to the body, and oxygen-poor blood is sent back around the body instead of being refreshed. Without correction, this condition is life-threatening.
The fix is a procedure called the arterial switch operation, in which a surgeon literally detaches the two great arteries and reattaches them in their correct positions. It is one of the most delicate operations in all of pediatric medicine.
“I was born December 20, 2000, weighing 6 lbs 8 oz. I was born at 35 weeks and three days — I guess I was in a hurry to be born! Lucky for me I had Dr. Redmond Burke and his miraculous staff who did my surgery at Miami Children's Hospital.”
— Elyse
The clip below, courtesy of nicklauschildrens.org, illustrates the congenital defect and how the correction is made.
🎥 TGA Surgery — courtesy of nicklauschildrens.org
Watch a TGA surgery here: https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/medical-services/pediatric-cardiology ↗Elyse's Surgical Journey
On December 20, 2000, Elyse Garcell was born. What followed were months of incredible courage, gentle care, and small victories — all documented by her family in these precious photographs.
⚠️ Some photos include medical imagery from surgery and recovery. They are shared with love as a testament to Elyse's strength.
The First Days
Christmas Day through those very first weeks — Elyse's earliest moments in the world.
Surgery & Recovery Begins
The surgery and the long, brave road of recovery that followed.
Getting Stronger
Heading Home
Cardiac Catheterizations
As Elyse grew, her heart needed continued monitoring. She underwent two cardiac catheterization procedures — one in 2003 and one in 2010.
First Catheterization — Dr. Evan Zahn
In 2003, Elyse underwent a catheterization procedure at Miami Children's Hospital, performed by Dr. Evan Zahn. Below are some pictures that Dr. Zahn provided. She left the hospital the same day — remarkable!
Second Catheterization — Dr. Danyal Khan
In 2010, Elyse underwent her second catheterization procedure, overseen by Dr. Danyal Khan at Miami Children's Hospital. The procedure focused on her pulmonary arteries, and these images show the before and after.
Continue Elyse's story: