New heart, new lease on life for Bronx toddler

A Bronx family thanked doctors at Montefiore Medical Center Thursday after a 1 ½-year-old girl received a new heart.
Laila’s family initially thought the little girl had asthma, but received the news in June that she had a failing heart.
She was then put on medication that helped in the short term. She then used a “Berlin Heart” device that helped pump blood through her heart.
Then, after months of waiting, Laila received the ultimate gift on Thanksgiving Day – a new heart.
The transplant has given her a new lease of life. Laila is now playful and happy after spending many months in the hospital.