Born with a rare heart condition, the baby boy needed a heart transplant to survive. Amazingly enough, he would soon become the 300th heart transplant to occur at a hospital in Texas. Earlier this year, Mariah and Javier Rivas welcomed their new baby boy into the world, introducing him to big brother and toddler Mateo. The Rivas are an Air Force family, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. They were beyond excited to welcome baby Miles into their new family of four.

Miles’ entrance into the world was a bit rough as he had a broken collar bone at birth, but he recovered just fine and was a fighter, his parents told NBCDFW. But only one short month later, their worlds were turned upside down. Javier says Miles became sick, with symptoms like sneezing and coughing, which concerned the couple. He was taken to the hospital for x-rays which revealed Miles’ heart was larger than it was supposed to be. He was diagnosed by cardiologists with a rare heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, meaning his heart was unable to pump enough blood. Doctors warned the couple that medication might not be the only answer. They also said it was likely in the next four to six months Miles would need a heart transplant. So, the family took off to Children’s Health in Dallas all the while with concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

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When they arrived, they talked to Children's Health pediatric heart transplant surgeon and UT Southwestern associate professor Dr. Ryan Davies. He said without a heart transplant, half of the children who are also diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy do not survive. Donor families are what give the gift of life to families who are in desperate need of a transplant. Miles was added to a transplant list, which can take a long time for someone to find the donor needed. But for Miles, it was a miracle.

Only one week later, the family received the news that a new heart had become available. Javier says they were shocked, as they heard it could take years for a baby to find a heart. Miles underwent the heart transplant and became the 300th heart transplant at Children’s Health in Dallas. Dr. Davies says they are excited to help Miles get back to his life. Only three days after his surgery, Miles bounced back quicker than ever, unaware of the fact he had undergone a very serious procedure at such a young age. Mariah credits everyone involved in Miles’ recovery, from the doctors to loved ones, and to the child who is now continuing to live through her own son.

The Rivas are staying at the Ronald McDonald House so doctors can monitor Miles’ recovery for the next several months. Mariah says it was all about believing in God’s work and being patient. While Miles’ journey may have had a rough start, there is no doubt he will continue to overcome any obstacle in his way.

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Source: NBCDFW