Kenosha 7-year-old Recovering after Heart Transplant

A Kenosha 7-year-old is on the road to recovery after receiving a heart transplant in February.

We first told you about Lily Lachman back in December, when the family asked for a Christmas miracle. Lily had been diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, a rare condition that left her in need of a new heart

     "It was just bad news after bad news," says her Mother Nicole. "The final blow was her stroke the day before her 7th birthday. I just figured, this was her life, we don't know where we're going to be." 

But in late February, the family got the news they needed. A donor heart was finally available. After a grueling surgery, Lily began physical and occupational therapy at Tender Touch in Kenosha.

     "She had about a 3 to 5 minute activity endurance," says Sarah Lambie of Tender Touch. "She was very scared of how her body was not working the way it used to work."

But with patience and daily goals, Lily is making progress. She attends therapy multiple times each week, working to improve strength on the side of her body impacted by her stroke. Her smile is back, along with activities like biking and swimming.

     "It doesn't phase her that she can't do it like she used to, she just tries to do it," says Nicole. 

A new life that's all become possible, thanks to an anonymous donation.

     "Without her donor, we wouldn't be where we are today," says Nicole.

The family must wait a full year to request the identity of the heart donor. At that point, it will be up to the donor's family, to decide if they want to meet Lily. 

    :27:24 "Without her donor, we wouldn't be where we are today."