UW-Health doctors in Madison complete heart transplant for 11-year-old boy, 1st through program

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Rockford boy will be back to playing soccer next year thanks to a successful heart transplant done by the UW-Health doctors in Madison. 

11-year-old Sezar's operation marked the first through UW-Health's Pediatric Heart Transplant Program. 

Sezar was diagnosed with heart failure in July. He was quickly taken to a pediatric intensive care unit in Madison where he later underwent surgery. 

The doctors involved say it was a moving experience to conduct the first operation of its kind at the transplant center. 

"It's quite a memorable moment, really. I remember watching him walk outside the unit going home and I was like we did this. And not only did we do this as a team, we did it well," said Dr.Sonya Kirmani of the Pediatric Heart Transplant Program.

Sezar was able to go home in September. He is now back in school, learning online while he recovers. 

A major soccer fan with a birthday coming up on Christmas Day, he says he's excited to be able to play his favorite sport again.