On December 1, 1992, life seemed absolutely perfect for Kathy and Chris Kimball. Their first child was just born and as far as they knew, their daughter was perfectly healthy. The next day, Samantha began vomiting so doctors came in to look at her. They immediately recommended she go for testing at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

After Several tests, it was determined that Samantha had a heart condition, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and it could be fatal. The Kimball’s were given a few options: take their daughter home to die or put her on the heart transplant list. At three days old, Samantha was put on the list and only had to wait 11 days to receive her new heart. The transplant was a success and she went home for the first time on her one-month birthday.

Samantha has been very fortunate with her new heart. She has never had to go through rejection and continues to receive wonderful results with each cardiac test she has. Although her heart is well, the anti-rejection medicine has caused strange side effects that she must deal with everyday. Recently, she has also had to undergo a kidney transplant. She is doing well and continues to see her doctors for regular follow-ups.