For Kolin, a young patient at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, American Heart Month, observed each February, is especially meaningful this year as he celebrates life with his new heart, write Stephanie Stahl and Casey Kuhn for CBS News Philadelphia.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Kolin spent 530 days at CHOP undergoing treatment and became a beloved patient at the cardiac center. Today, he only visits for brief follow-ups after a life-saving heart transplant. The boy faced several severe complications that ultimately made the transplant essential.
“There was a period of time that he wasn’t even eligible for a heart transplant because he was so sick,” said his mother, Joy Hummer. “And those were some of the hardest days of my life.”
While waiting for his transplant, Kolin had to be placed on a mechanical heart until a donor was found in October. Three months after his surgery, his doctors report that he is making excellent progress.
The young patient, who was sent out of the cardiac center with a celebratory parade, is now adjusting to life at home and focusing on school and cooking, his true passion, which he intends to pursue as he grows older.
Read more about Kolin and his courageous, inspirational battle at CBS News Philadelphia.
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