In many ways, Miela is a typical 9-year-old girl—sweet and a little bit sassy, a fan of stuffed animals and Barbies. But there's one big way she stands out from other kids her age.
“I had surgery when I was a little baby,” Miela explains. “My heart was old. They sliced me right here and then exchanged my old heart to a new one. And then they stitched it back and super glued right here. ”
That was the beginning of what will be a lifelong journey for Miela. “Heart transplant wasn't a cure for her,” says Miela's mom, Carie. “It is a treatment. And she will have to advocate for herself for her entire life experience.”
Over the years, Miela and her family have relied on donation-funded programs like Child Life to help navigate the ups and downs of her journey. They're filled with gratitude for the support that makes these programs possible.
“Thank you to anyone who gives to Phoenix Children's,” Carie says. “Every single time, it makes a difference.”



Celebrate Heart Month by making a difference for children like Miela. Your gift to the Center for Heart Care helps Arizona's youngest heart patients get the lifesaving care they need.