Leah Sharp, a brave four-year-old girl, recently underwent a miraculous operation to mend her “broken heart.” This life-saving procedure was made possible by the incredible work of her doctors, to whom her grateful mother, Lauren Koch, expresses her deepest appreciation.
In August 2019, Leah was diagnosed with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), a rare heart condition characterized by holes between the left and right sides of the heart. AVSD accounts for 4% of all heart defects diagnosed in children. Lauren admits that at the time, she had no knowledge of this condition. It was only after a doctor detected a murmur in Leah’s chest and ordered an urgent scan that they discovered the hole in her heart, leaving Lauren in shock.
Describing her emotional state, Lauren shares, “It was like that lump in your throat right before you cry, but you can’t cry. For about a week, I didn’t know what to say or do.” Left untreated, AVSD can lead to severe complications such as brain and kidney damage, pneumonia, or even fatal outcomes. Lauren was fearful and chose not to research the condition extensively, as the outcomes can vary greatly.
Leah was carefully monitored, and it was eventually determined that she would need open heart surgery to safeguard her future well-being. This news brought a mix of overwhelming emotions and relief for Lauren. On March 24, 2021, Leah was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow and underwent the complex surgery the following day.
During the anxious seven-hour wait, Lauren and her extended family clung to hope, trying to suppress thoughts of any worst-case scenarios. Finally, the long-awaited call came, delivering the good news of the successful surgery. Lauren expresses her immense gratitude, saying, “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t mend a broken heart because it took just four days. It was so successful and a massive relief.”
Despite experiencing some headaches, Leah amazed the medical staff with her swift recovery. Remarkably, she was discharged from the hospital just four days after her surgery. Lauren emphasizes the resilience of children and praises the remarkable capabilities of the doctors and nurses. She acknowledges the NHS and the trust she placed in the medical team during this challenging time.
Leah is currently taking time off from nursery to recover, and Lauren is happy to report that she is doing well. Described as a “super shy but really cheeky” little girl, Leah is eagerly looking forward to starting school after the summer. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of modern medicine, the strength of young hearts, and the enduring hope that miracles can happen.
