Elyse's Story
A journey of extraordinary courage — from a tiny heart born fighting, to a beautiful soul who continues to inspire every day.
“God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart.” — Ecclesiastes 3:11
A Fighter from the Very Start
Hi, my name is Elyse Garcell. I was born December 20, 2000, weighing 6 lbs 8 oz, arriving three weeks early — perhaps eager to celebrate Christmas, though my dad insists it was all about the tax break.
I was born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) — my aorta and pulmonary artery were switched at birth. I was lucky to have the miraculous care of Dr. Redmond Burke and his incredible team at Miami Children's Hospital.
At age three, I was also diagnosed with severe autism. Dad says he's just reading my mind when he writes about me. He and Mom have always found a way to share my story with the world.
This website is our family's way of bringing awareness to both CHD and Autism, and to celebrate every milestone of my beautiful journey.
Her Heart Story →
Explore Elyse's Journey
Each chapter of Elyse's life tells a story of resilience, love, and grace.
Her Heart Story
The remarkable story of Elyse's TGA diagnosis, open-heart surgery, and recovery with photos from those precious first weeks of life.
Living with Autism
At age three, Elyse was diagnosed with severe autism. This chapter shares what that means and how it shapes her unique, beautiful perspective on the world.
Elyse's Timeline
A growing, year-by-year chronicle of milestones, surgeries, celebrations, and everyday moments that make her story so extraordinary.
Photo Gallery
A collection of our favorite photos through the years — from the hospital to home, celebrations and quiet everyday moments.
Dad's Poems
For a while, Dad thought he was Walt Whitman. These are the poems he wrote for Elyse and her sister Eliza — heartfelt words from a father's soul.
Videos
Short videos documenting Elyse's surgical journey and special moments shared by our family and her care team.
Congenital Heart Defects
Every day, babies around the world are born with congenital heart defects. CHD is the most common type of birth defect, affecting nearly 1 in 31 babies.
Elyse's story is part of the CHD Webring — a community of families sharing their experiences to bring awareness, hope, and connection to others facing similar journeys.
Through her story, we hope to give encouragement to other families and celebrate the brave medical teams who make miracles happen every day.
Learn About TGA →Miami Children's Hospital
Elyse's surgery was performed by Dr. Redmond Burke and his extraordinary team.
Dr. Burke is one of the world's foremost pediatric heart surgeons, and Miami Children's Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for families dealing with CHD.
Arterial Switch Operation ↗Key Milestones
A glimpse at Elyse's incredible story over the years.
Elyse is Born ♥
Born December 20, 2000, at 35 weeks and 3 days. Just in time for Christmas — and life's greatest adventure begins.
Open-Heart Surgery
Dr. Redmond Burke performs the arterial switch operation at Miami Children's Hospital, correcting Elyse's transposed arteries.
Autism Diagnosis & Catheterization
At age three, Elyse is diagnosed with autism. She also undergoes her first cardiac catheterization, monitored by Dr. Evan Zahn.
Second Catheterization
Elyse undergoes her second catheterization procedure, overseen by Dr. Danyal Khan at Miami Children's Hospital.
Still Growing Strong 🌿
Elyse continues to grow, surprise, and inspire. Her story is still being written — and we update this timeline as it unfolds.
Meet Eliza — Elyse's Sister
“My name is Eliza and I love my sister Elyse very much. She is my favorite friend. I am so lucky to have such a sister.”
Eliza's birthday is July 1st. She loves gymnastics, chicken & fries, Care Bears, Disney Princesses, and Disney World — and most of all, she loves her big sister.
