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Baby Scarlet thriving after heart transplant
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- She touched so many of you when Action News introduced you to her back in September. At that time, baby Scarlet was three months old and was desperately waiting for a heart transplant.
Today, she has a new heart and a new lease on life.
"I don't know how many times I walked into the hospital and tell her she was a fighter and she was going to make it," explained Vince Griffith, Scarlet's dad.
"I feel very honored to be a mother to a miracle," said Alexis Griffith, Scarlet's mom.
Scarlet was born at Sunrise Hospital in June with only half a heart.
Doctors told her parents the only way she would survive was to get a transplant. So Alexis and Vince packed up and moved to Loma Linda, California where they would wait for the call that meant Scarlet would get a second chance.
The phone rang just days after Action News shared Scarlet's struggle in September.
"I had to ask him to repeat it I was like are you saying there's really a heart," said Vince.
While Scarlet stayed strong during surgery, her parents waited for texts from the operating room.
"I think I saved the one that says the heart is in and beating," explained Alexis.
Beating, Alexis knows, because another little baby didn't make it.
"I pray every night that they just know how grateful we are," said Alexis.
The Griffith's don't know the donor's family or the more than 7,000 people following little Scarlet's Facebook page and leaving messages. The family says strangers even mail them gifts.
"It shows you how good people are still out in the world," said Vince.
Home is now split between Las Vegas and Loma Linda where Scarlet still goes for weekly checkups. But that soon will change.
"January 26th we can come back for good," explained Alexis.
One thing that won't go away is the medications. Scarlet takes about eight a day and doctors say there's still the chance she could need another transplant. No one knows what the future holds for baby Scarlet but her mom says the whole thing puts it all in perspective.
"Who knows how many nights I would have stayed up angry with her because she wouldn't stop crying but now all i can think of is thank you that she is crying," said Alexis.
"You just thank the people that actually gave your daughter the chance," said Vince.
The family has to wait about a year before they can reach out to the donor's family. It's up to them to decide if they want to meet Scarlet. We're going to keep in touch with the Griffith's and keep you updated as Scarlet grows.
Click here to check out Scarlet's Facebook page.
Click here to read baby Scarlet's blog.
Click here to learn more about organ donation.
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