Oakley’s miracle: A new heart and a new beginning

Before she was even born, Oakley’s parents knew her heart was different. At a 20-week ultrasound, doctors told Kennidi and Braden that their daughter had a congenital heart condition. She would need open-heart surgery after birth and likely more surgeries as she grew. It was overwhelming news for any family, but they were ready to fight for their girl. 

A brave beginning 

When Oakley was born, she spent her first 5 days of life in the NICU — fewer than anyone expected. At just 6 weeks old, she had her first heart surgery, a successful procedure without complications. Oakley staved off any further procedures for the next couple of years. 

“She’s always been full of life,” Kennidi says. “She’s the sweetest girl. She loves music and dancing and everything pink.” 

As Oakley grew, so did her strength. At age 2, she underwent what’s called the Glenn procedure, which redirects blood from the upper body directly to the lungs, reducing the heart’s workload. That procedure is typically a bridge to a more complex surgery called the Fontan procedure.  

When Oakley was 6, doctors planned to complete this next step. Her parents believed this would be the last surgery for a while. Instead, it changed everything. 

After administering anesthesia and starting the procedure, the surgeon came out to speak with the family: “We need to talk about the plan,” Kennidi recalls him saying. “We don’t feel comfortable moving forward today and don’t feel that it will be a good outcome.” 

For the first time, the word “transplant” entered the conversation, shocking her parents. A month later, Oakley was added to the heart transplant waiting list. 

A year of waiting 

By this time, Oakley was exhausted nearly all the time. She would lie down on a bench during gym class. She couldn’t walk around when they went to the grocery store. But to her and her family, that was Oakley’s normal. 

Doctors recommended she be admitted to the hospital to wait for a donor heart. The family waited 8 months at a hospital in Texas, and sadly, no offers came. Then the transplant program closed, and Oakley was referred to Texas Children’s Hospital. The Kangaroo Crew, Texas Children’s highly specialized transport team, brought her safely to Texas Children’s in Houston to be cared for by one of the largest pediatric heart transplant teams in the nation. 

The waiting continued. In total, the family spent 365 days in the hospital. They were away from home for 16 months. Through it all, they tried to make the hospital feel joyful. They celebrated small wins. They marked holidays. They held onto hope. 

“Take it one day at a time. One minute at a time,” Kennidi says. “The little moments are the big moments.” 

A perfect gift 

When the call finally came that a heart was available — exactly 1 year from the day Oakley had been admitted to the hospital — emotions flooded in. 

“We prayed for the donor family a lot,” Kennidi says. “We understood that one more day waiting for us is another day they get with their baby.” 

At Texas Children’s, the family says they felt supported and heard throughout the process. 

“The care was the best care we could have asked for,” Kennidi says. “If I voiced a concern, they were on it.” 

And after a year of waiting, her miracle heart had arrived and Oakley’s transplant was successfully performed without complication. 

Life today 

Today, Oakley is 8 years old, celebrating the 1-year mark after transplant. She’s back at school, doing gymnastics and dance. Recently, her big sister role was upgraded and she’s now the oldest sibling to her 5-year-old brother, Kash, as well as newborn twins born just weeks ago. 

“The life she has today is one I could have never imagined for her,” Kennidi says. 

To celebrate her new heart, Oakley’s wish to visit Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, was granted. It was, as her family calls it, the best week ever. 

One year after transplant, recipients are given the option to send written communication to the donor family. Oakley’s parents have written a letter and hope one day they’ll meet to say thank you in person for choosing to save Oakley’s life. 

Oakley’s story is one of strength, faith and generosity. Because another family said yes, she’s dancing, laughing and living fully. 

And her heart keeps beating — stronger than ever. 

An organ donor can save up to eight lives. To learn more and become a donor, visit Donate Life Texas or Life Gift.  

Or, learn more about pediatric heart transplant at Texas Children’s.