Due to the complexity of her heart condition, doctors say a transplant carries serious risks.
SAN ANTONIO — Khaleesi Marie Cortez was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Since birth, she’s undergone five intensive heart surgeries.
“She’s been so strong. She’s a remarkable little girl — she’s shown me what strength really looks like,” said her mother, Salina Morales.
Doctors first diagnosed Khaleesi’s condition while Morales was still pregnant. The little girl’s heart is missing its left side, and she also has an atrial septal defect — a hole between the heart’s upper chambers.
After years of hospital stays, procedures, and recoveries, Khaleesi’s body is now exhausted. She’s currently on life support at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
“She is on life support and that is what she’s honestly leaning on, even with her being awake,” Morales said. “She really is the light that lights up the room.”
Because of the complexity of her heart condition, doctors say a transplant carries serious risks. Morales said her daughter’s chances of recovery are now only about 10 percent.
“If we’re not able to get her heart function to recover, then we end up finding ourselves pretty much on a life support system that we’ll eventually need to turn off,” Morales said.
Despite the grim outlook, Khaleesi’s family is not giving up hope. They’ve launched a GoFundMe to help cover daily expenses while remaining by her side in Houston.
Their biggest wish now is for Khaleesi to celebrate her fifth birthday on Dec. 1.
“That’s what we’re praying for,” Morales said. “We’ve just been praying and I think everyone’s prayers have been heard.”
You can support Khaleesi and her family through their GoFundMe.