Bela’s journey began when she was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and Turner Syndrome at around 20 weeks of gestation. We faced an uncertain road ahead, but we held onto hope, seeing our little girl as a precious gift from God. She may have been tiny when she was born at 38 weeks, but she was mighty in spirit.

Initially, the decision was made for her to undergo a “hybrid” procedure rather than the standard first-stage surgery for HLHS, and we were relieved to find that it was successful. At just 6 months old, Bela faced her second open-heart surgery, and we were filled with gratitude as we witnessed her remarkable recovery.

That first year brought many challenges, with hospital visits for various procedures, infections, and illnesses. Yet, each time, she demonstrated an extraordinary resilience that left us in awe. Despite the difficulties, the love and joy we experienced while at home with her were immeasurable. Feeding Bela was a struggle, and we had to rely on her NG tube and later her G-tube to provide her with the nutrition she needed for seven long years.

On October 24, 2024, our lives changed forever when Bela received the gift of a donor heart. We will be eternally grateful to the donor family for their selfless act of kindness, which allowed our daughter a chance at life. The road to recovery after her transplant was filled with ups and downs, but Bela faced every challenge with incredible courage, supported by the strength of her personal Savior. Bela’s courage is defined as facing difficult situations despite fear, which is about resisting fear rather than living without it. With the Savior’s help, we have all learned that true courage is attainable.

Bela’s strength is truly inspiring. She has faced so much, yet her positive, grateful, and content attitude toward life shines brightly every day. At 17, she has blossomed into an incredibly bright, happy, and sweet young woman with a deep love for life. Her passions include theater, history, traveling, and, of course, chocolate chip pancakes. Bela’s fierce love for her family and friends is a testament to her beautiful spirit, and she continues to teach us all about the power of love and resilience.