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Complex diagnosis and delivery

The diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome with mitral stenosis and aortic atresia, a severe congenital heart condition in which the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped. Lorenzo’s very small left ventricle could not function properly; the mitral valve was narrowed, and the aortic valve was completely blocked. With the heart’s main pumping chamber unable to support normal blood flow, Lorenzo would require immediate, specialized care the moment he was born.

“We were in disbelief,” Izela said.

The family’s initial referral for specialized care offered little reassurance, leaving them with more questions than answers. Determined to understand every option for their son, they sought a second opinion at Norton Children’s Heart Institute.

There, a team of specialists walked them through every possible scenario for Lorenzo’s heart journey, including the possibility of a transplant — with honesty, clarity and compassion.

“The team at Norton Children’s was extremely transparent,” Izela said. “We left with full confidence in our decision and knew our baby boy would receive the very best care possible.”

On June 26, 2025, Lorenzo was born at Norton Hospital in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, without complications. Immediately after delivery, he was taken across a pedway to the neonatal intensive care unit at Norton Children’s Hospital for initial evaluations and a detailed echocardiogram. But within just 18 hours, Lorenzo’s lungs collapsed. The team placed a breathing tube and transferred Lorenzo to the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) for more specialized care.

“When his lungs collapsed, we truly understood the severity of Lorenzo’s health,” Izela said. “He had his first [catheterization] lab procedure at 4 days old to restrict the overflow of the blood to his lungs.”

Doctors determined that due to coronary obstruction, a condition affecting the function of the ventricle and valves, Lorenzo was not a good candidate for standard hypoplastic left heart syndrome surgeries. The only remaining option was a heart transplant. On July 31, Lorenzo received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a surgically implanted pump, to help his left ventricle circulate blood throughout his body. It served as a bridge to transplant, supporting his heart while he waited for a donor.

On Aug. 9, once Lorenzo grew stronger, he was placed on the transplant list.

“My husband and I were crushed that the other surgeries would not be an option,” Izela said. “Lorenzo needed a new heart to live.”

Lorenzo remained on the LVAD for 211 days, and during that time he required five procedures to exchange the external pumps due to blood clots forming in the tubes of the device, which put him at high risk for strokes.

“Waiting was incredibly difficult, because we never knew when a donor heart would come, and every day carried its own risks,” Izela said. “He spent nearly his entire life on the LVAD, growing, getting stronger and fighting to stay stable long enough to receive his new heart.”

Hope with a new heart

After six months of waiting, the family received word that a new heart was available for Lorenzo. On Feb. 27, 2026, at just 8 months old, Lorenzo underwent a heart transplant. The 13-hour surgery was intense, and afterward Lorenzo required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for nine days to support the function of his new heart. His new heart regained normal function, and as his recovery progressed, his chest was closed and his support was gradually decreased as his heart and other organs continued to improve.

Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D., director of pediatric cardiac surgery at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, led the transplant team. Heart transplants are highly complex but often lifesaving procedures for infants with severe heart conditions. Thanks to advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques, many children go on to live healthier, fuller lives after receiving a new heart.

Deborah J. Kozik, D.O., pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, also was part of the transplant team.

“Thanks to Dr. Alsoufi and Dr. Kozik, along with the entire team at Norton Children’s, our son now has a second chance at life,” Izela said. “We are forever grateful to the donor’s family as well. A time of grief for one family has given ours hope for Lorenzo.”

After 298 days at Norton Children’s Hospital, Lorenzo was moved from the CICU to the progressive cardiac unit. Each day, he grew stronger. His big sister, Genesis, made frequent visits to read books and sing to him, filling his room with laughter and smiles.

“Seeing our son and daughter together was surreal,” Izela said. “His team of doctors and nurses went above and beyond to care for both Lorenzo and our family. Our son was not just a patient to them; they truly cared for him as their own. Anytime we were in Bowling Green, they would send us updates with messages and pictures. And they always talked about his long locks of hair, which warmed my heart. He was known among all as the happiest baby ever, considering everything he has endured in his short life.”

Special send-off

On May 18, the halls of Norton Children’s Hospital filled with team members celebrating Lorenzo’s new heart and the beginning of his next chapter at home, as his family proudly strolled their smiling, courageous heart warrior one more time.

“We are honored to see Lorenzo growing stronger and celebrating with his family today,” Dr. Alsoufi said. “He has an excellent support team at home that will help him reach future milestones with patience and love.”

“Tears of joy as we head home,” Izela said. “It is bittersweet. They have become family. We have so much to celebrate. Our entire family is stronger today.”