Cleveland, Ohio – One year ago, 6-year-old John-Henry Lee joyfully announced, “I’m getting a new heart!” as he walked the hospital halls at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, sharing the life-changing news with his care team. Today, we’re celebrating his first heart transplant anniversary and his progress after undergoing a procedure that gave him a second chance at life.

John-Henry Lee was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or HLHS, a rare congenital heart condition that left one side of his heart unable to properly pump blood. After ultimately undergoing three separate surgeries, his condition worsened, and heart failure left him with one option: a transplant. In May 2024, after six months on the waiting list, John-Henry, his mother, Sarah Lee, and their family, received the news a donor heart was available. The next day, Cleveland Clinic Children’s pediatric and congenital heart surgeon Hani Najm, MD, performed the life-saving procedure.

Shahnawaz Amdani, MD, Section Head of Pediatric Heart Function and Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children’s and one of John-Henry’s pediatric cardiologists, emphasizes the impact of heart transplants, “For children like John-Henry, a heart transplant provides opportunities to grow, thrive, and experience milestones that might not have been possible otherwise. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and the lives it transforms.”

Now, one year later, 7-year-old John-Henry enjoys playing outside with his brothers, playfully battling with anyone who’s up for the challenge and chasing his inflatable T-Rex.

John-Henry continues receiving follow-up care. He also undergoes therapy at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation to improve his mobility, regain strength and enhance his overall quality of life.

Sarah reflects on the past year with gratitude: “John-Henry continues to inspire me every day. His journey has not been an easy one, but each day he finds opportunities to laugh, play, and embrace life. There are so many people who have contributed to his remarkable progress, from his care team to his family, to his donor and their family, we are forever grateful for their support and the selfless, compassionate act of organ donation.”

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