Historic Dual Transplant Saves 11-Year-Old's Life

Children's Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient, marking a historic achievement in the field of pediatric surgery. The groundbreaking surgery was performed on 11-year-old Gracie Greenlaw, whose congenital heart condition eventually led to liver failure. The complex, 16-hour operation was executed by dozens of specialists who worked together for years to prepare for a moment like this. According to Dr. John Taylor, the lead surgeon on the case, "The dual transplant was a challenging procedure, but our team was well-prepared and worked seamlessly together to ensure Gracie's success." Dr. Taylor, a renowned pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, emphasized the importance of collaboration and expertise in achieving this historic milestone. "This surgery would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our entire team, from the anesthesiologists to the nurses and support staff," he said. Gracie's condition required a dual transplant due to the severe impact of her congenital heart defect on her liver function. The heart condition, known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, is a rare congenital defect that affects the development of the left side of the heart. Over time, the condition led to liver failure, necessitating the dual transplant. The dual transplant procedure is a rare and complex surgery, with only a handful of cases reported in the United States. According to Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a pediatric hepatologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, "The dual transplant is a high-risk procedure, but it offers a second chance at life for patients like Gracie who have exhausted other treatment options." Dr. Rodriguez noted that the hospital's multidisciplinary team worked tirelessly to prepare for the surgery, including extensive preoperative planning and testing. The surgery was performed on December 15, 2025, at Children's Hospital Colorado. Gracie spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from the procedure and has since made a remarkable recovery. She is now back home, attending school, and thriving. Her parents, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude to the medical team for giving their daughter a second chance at life. "We are forever grateful to the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital Colorado for their tireless efforts and dedication to Gracie's care," they said. The success of Gracie's dual transplant highlights the importance of pediatric specialty care and the need for continued investment in medical research and innovation. As Dr. Taylor noted, "This historic achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration and expertise in pediatric medicine. We are proud to have played a role in Gracie's recovery and look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in pediatric surgery."