Ava Grace, a 13-year-old girl from Waukee, has triumphantly returned home after spending 22 months at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, where she underwent a heart transplant and a kidney transplant. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Ava faced significant health challenges from the moment she entered the world. Doctors initially gave her a 40% chance of survival, but she has consistently defied the odds throughout her life.
On January 26, 2024, Ava received a heart transplant, which unfortunately led to complications affecting her kidneys. This necessitated a second surgery for a kidney transplant shortly afterward. After a long and arduous journey, her doctors cleared her to return home on July 23.
Ava was welcomed back with a celebration at Eason Elementary, the school she attended before her health issues took her away. Although she is no longer in the hospital, Ava requires specialized care, including 24/7 monitoring due to her tracheostomy and ventilator support. She also relies on a continuous IV drip for medication and takes 27 different medicines, which she manages herself by calling the pharmacy.
Now that she is back home, Ava is eager to enjoy her teenage years. She looks forward to learning how to barbecue, spending time with friends, and creating content for her YouTube channel. Her return is not just a personal victory but also a moment of joy for her family, friends, and the community, who are excited to see her back in school as she prepares for seventh grade at South Middle School this fall. Ava’s journey is a testament to her resilience and the support of those around her.
