What It's Like to Discover Your Newborn Needs a Heart Transplant: One Mom's Journey with Baby Liberty

This segment is about the profoundly emotional and challenging journey of a mother Quanlisa Dennis who, in what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life, suddenly discovered that her newborn baby would require a heart transplant. The initial joy of welcoming a new life into the world was quickly overshadowed by the shocking news that her child faced a serious medical condition. This revelation plunged her into a whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming concern for her baby's future.

As she navigated through the complexities of her child's diagnosis, Quanlisa found herself grappling with a range of emotions, from despair to hope. Each day brought new challenges, including countless medical appointments, discussions with specialists, and the weight of making life-altering decisions. The journey was not just a physical one, but an emotional rollercoaster that tested her strength and resolve in ways she had never anticipated.

Quan and baby Liberty

In the midst of this turmoil, Quanlisa turned to prayer as a source of comfort and strength. She sought solace in her faith, finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. Her prayers became a lifeline, a way to connect with something greater than herself, and to find the courage to face the uncertainties that lay ahead. Through her spiritual practice, she cultivated resilience, drawing on her inner strength to support her baby and herself during the most trying times of her life.

With each passing day, she learned the importance of community and support. Friends, family, and even strangers rallied around her, offering assistance and encouragement. This network of support became invaluable, providing not only practical help but also emotional sustenance.

As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Quanlisa's journey evolved. She became an advocate for her child, researching everything she could about heart conditions, treatment options, and the transplant process. Her determination to ensure the best possible outcome for her baby fueled her actions, making her a fierce protector and a diligent researcher. She learned to ask the right questions, to seek second opinions, and to navigate the often-complex world of pediatric healthcare.

Ultimately, her unwavering faith and resilience, combined with the love and support of those around her, helped her to endure the emotional highs and lows of this journey. As she faced the reality of a heart transplant, she clung to hope, believing in the possibility of a brighter future for her child. This segment captures not just a story of medical struggle, but a powerful testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the profound impact of faith and community in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges.

Quanlisa's baby girl Liberty, is the 6th baby in the world to be the recipient of a partial heart transplant.

Quanlisa was pleased to participate in a brief interview about her story.

Tonya L White: "First, I want to thank you for taking the time to share your story. It takes a lot of courage to do so. Can you tell me a little about Liberty's condition?"

Quanlisa: "After my daughter’s heart transplant for her condition, truncus arteriosus, her ongoing medical care is crucial to ensuring her health and well-being as she grows. She will need regular check-ups with her pediatric cardiologist to monitor her heart function, ensure there are no signs of rejection, and manage her medications. These check-ups are important for adjusting her medications, such as immunosuppressants, to help her body accept the partial heart while minimizing the risk of infections or complications. In addition to her heart care, my daughter will need to have certain labs done to monitor her kidney function due to the medications she’s on. A speech therapist may also be part of her care team to help with any speech which the transplant may cause delays in growing. Since her immune system is suppressed to prevent organ rejection, she will need to see specific dentists who are familiar with the needs of transplant patients, as dental health is especially important to prevent infections. Regular visits to these professionals, alongside routine tests, imaging, and possibly physical therapy, will help her stay on track with her recovery and development. The ongoing medical care requires a collaborative effort from a variety of healthcare providers, all working together to ensure she thrives and lives a long, healthy life. It's a lot to manage, but it's all worth it to see her grow and flourish."

TLW: "What have been your biggest adjustments or challenges?"

Quanlisa: "Having a child who has had a partial heart transplant is a huge step for any family, and it comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when balancing the needs of other children, work, and everyday life. When you have other kids who are active in sports or other activities, it can be difficult to juggle their schedules with the frequent doctor’s appointments and medical care that come with a transplant. Every visit to the hospital, every check-up, and every treatment is a reminder of how important it is to prioritize your child’s health, but it can feel overwhelming when you also want to be present for your other children’s milestones and commitments. It requires a lot of flexibility, and often sacrifices, to make sure everyone’s needs are met. At times, there may be moments when you need to adjust your work schedule or find childcare support, whether it’s to attend appointments or to ensure your daughter gets the rest and care she needs. You might find yourself leaning on family, friends, or other caregivers to step in and help so that you can focus on your daughter’s health, while also keeping your job and maintaining balance in the family. There’s a constant mental juggling act of making sure all your children’s needs are met—whether that’s cheering them on at their games, helping with schoolwork, or giving them your attention—while not losing sight of your daughter’s medical care. It’s not easy, and there are definitely moments when it feels like you’re stretched thin. But through it all, you find strength in your ability to navigate these challenges, knowing that the sacrifices you make today are to ensure your daughter’s health and to give her the chance to live a full, happy life. It’s a big step, and it takes a lot of love, patience, and resilience from everyone in the family."

TLW: "What would you tell other parents that have to face a similar situation?"

Quanlisa: "To other parents expecting or who have already delivered a child with a heart condition, I would encourage them to stay strong and keep hope alive. Though it may feel overwhelming, remember that medical advancements have made incredible progress, and many children with heart conditions go on to lead healthy lives. Trust in your doctors, but also trust in God's plan. Lean on your faith and know that you are not alone on this journey. Hold on to hope, surround yourself with supportive loved ones, and take one day at a time. God is with you, and His strength will carry you through this."

TLW: "What are your thoughts on organ donation?"

Quanlisa:  "Having my daughter undergo a transplant profoundly changed my perspective on organ donation. Before the experience, I understood it intellectually, but going through it personally made me realize just how life-changing and crucial organ donation can be. It gave me a deep sense of gratitude for the donors and their families, whose selflessness saved my daughter's life. I now view organ donation not only as a medical procedure but as a powerful act of love and generosity, one that can offer hope and a second chance at life. It’s given me a new perspective on the importance of supporting and advocating for organ donation, and how each donor's gift impacts not just the recipient, but their entire family."

TLW: "What are your hopes and dreams for Liberty's future?"

Quanlisa: "I want her to live a long, healthy, and joyful life, growing up without limitations & fully embracing all the experiences and opportunities life has to offer. I expect that, with the gift of her transplant, she will have the chance to live a vibrant life, and I will do everything I can to ensure she grows up surrounded by care, love, and the best medical support. I trust in the advances of medicine and the strength of her spirit, and I look forward to watching her flourish, knowing that every day is a blessing and a gift.

Baby Liberty