PARIS - An infant girl from Paris is alive today after receiving a heart transplant in what doctors say was critical to her survival.
Aubrie Miller’s mother learned that her daughter suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy prior to her March 14 birth. The lifesaving transplant was performed at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas on May 22.
In an interview with the Paris News following the surgery, Aubrie’s grandmother Kim Miller said, “The doctors are wonderfully pleased with how good she did. Our prayers have been answered; it’s just been a good day. We are just thankful for the family’s decision to donate.”
Later this month, a softball tournament will be held in Aubrie’s honor to help raise funds for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs the family has and will continue to incur.
According to the National Foundation for Transplants(NFT), the average heart transplant costs nearly $1 million. Although her health insurance will cover the transplant itself, her family will still face expenses for follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications for the rest of her life. Post-transplant medications can be very costly, and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself.
The Millers will also incur substantial expenses when they travel back for follow-up care and doctors’ appointments, as they live 150 miles from the hospital.
To overcome these financial challenges, the Millers sought assistance from the NFT, a nonprofit organization that helps transplant patients raise funds to pay for medical expenses.
“I am beyond thrilled that this precious baby received a second chance at life,” said Kay Horne, NFT fundraising consultant. “But I know she still has a long way to go. Everyone at NFT is dedicated to helping Aubrie’s family raise the necessary funds so they can focus on her health without constantly worrying about the mounting medical expenses.”
The softball tournament will take place at the Paris Sports Complex, 2025 S. Collegiate Dr on Saturday, June 23. Games will begin at 6 p.m., and teams can register for $200. For more information on the tournament or to register a team, contact Chad Leisman at 903-272-9377 or chad@parisharley.com.
You can make donations in honor of Aubrie by visiting www.transplants.org and click on “Find an NFT Patient” to search for her. Donations can also be mailed to the NFT Oklahoma Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. You’re asked to write “in honor of Aubrie Miller” in the subject line.