After a 441-day stay at Norton Children’s Hospital, 2-year-old Chloe Clark beat the odds by receiving a heart transplant. Chloe spent more than half of her life within the walls of the hospital before she was able to head home. With her unshakeable spirit, her parents’ unwavering love and the support of her medical team, Chloe came out the other side happy and healthier than ever! Chloe’s medical journey started at her mother’s 20-week ultrasound appointment when her parents were told there were concerns for their growing baby’s heart. “At her ultrasound when we found out there might be something wrong with Chloe’s heart, we were so shocked and hurt,” said Jay Clark, Chloe’s dad. “We had been riding a high, and then we got that life-changing news.” After Chloe was born, she was diagnosed with single ventricle heart disease — a condition that meant her heart had only one functioning pumping chamber instead of the usual two. Her parents embarked on a tumultuous path ahead, where they experienced intense highs and lows. Chloe’s mom, Mackenzie Clark, said, “When she was born, we were overjoyed to see her, but those high feelings didn’t last forever. When I first found out that Chloe needed a heart transplant, I was devastated. I felt like the world just kind of fell apart.” Andrea N. Lambert, M.D., pediatric cardiologist with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, was unwavering in her commitment to overseeing Chloe’s journey. “Chloe’s heart disease was complex and progressive. Despite undergoing several cardiac surgeries to improve her condition, she ultimately needed a heart transplant,” Dr. Lambert said.
“Through it all, Chloe and her parents were courageous. Although the wait was long, this family’s love and dedication to their daughter never wavered.” The wait for a compatible donor stretched on. “We wait to find the right donor, balancing between minimizing the risks inherent to transplant and the time spent on the waitlist,” Dr. Lambert said. “Organ donation is a precious gift. We honor that gift by striving to find the best match between donors and patients like Chloe.” On May 19, 2023, Chloe successfully received her new heart and a new chance at life. “We are so grateful for everyone’s expertise and skills — the whole heart transplant team,” Jay said. Mackenzie echoed her husband’s sentiments. “Everyone always made us feel extremely comfortable and went above and beyond to make sure that Chloe was taken care of, but also that Jay and I were too,” she said. “We are extraordinarily appreciative to the incredible individuals who dedicated their lives to saving our baby.” Following her successful transplant, Chloe’s journey took a transformative turn. Her days within the confines of the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the hospital were finally behind her. Chloe and her parents are now embracing their new life at home with unparalleled enthusiasm. Each milestone she reaches has become a celebration. “She’s so happy and making great strides,” Mackenzie said. “She’s a little babbling machine and is so close to crawling! We are finally getting to watch her advance and grow as Chloe the human, not Chloe the patient.”
As Chloe continues her recovery, her parents are looking forward to seeing what her future has in store. They started a Facebook group titled “Chloe’s Cause” for those who want to continue to follow Chloe’s incredible journey. Chloe’s story symbolizes the potential for hope even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her journey from hospital stay to the warmth of home shines a light on the importance of pediatric organ donation and the significance of medical breakthroughs. “We want to be a pillar of hope and resilience for other parents,” Jay said. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep the faith.”