Emily’s Heart Transplant: Beating the Odds
Emily Bardales was only nine months old when her parents, Vicky and Marvin, found out her heart was not functioning properly. They learned her heart tissues were damaged and the only way for Emily to survive was to receive a lifesaving heart transplant. Doctors explained the wait for a new heart could take days, months or years. Her parents were devastated about her prognosis, but the potential of a future heart transplant gave them hope. Emily’s parents turned to their faith, praying their child would survive.
Emily Receives Her Miracle: A Second Chance at Life
While Emily was in the hospital waiting for a heart transplant, her heart actually stopped beating on three occasions. After the first instance, it happened again a week later. Her dad, Marvin, was with her and recalled feeling like he was in a horrible movie. Emily’s heart monitor would flatline and the hospital staff would do everything they could to revive her. It was a miracle she was revived three times. Marvin knew Emily’s heart was getting weaker and all they could do was pray and wait for a heart transplant.
Originally, Marvin and Vicky didn’t know much about how the organ transplantation process worked. Marvin told doctors he wanted to give his heart to Emily so he could save his daughter. He felt so hopeless seeing her struggle every day and just wanted her to be healthy again. Doctors explained that Emily would need to have a donor of similar age, size and blood type in order for her transplant to be a match.
“I asked if they could take my heart and give to her, but then doctors explained to me that it was not possible.” – Marvin
Two months later, the family says God answered their prayers as Emily had an organ donor. Doctors took blood samples and tests of Emily to ensure she was healthy enough for the transplant. The medical staff met with Marvin and Vicky to explain the process and potential outcomes before her surgery. They reassured the family that they would give them hourly updates on Emily’s condition and progress in the operating room.
Miraculously, Emily’s heart transplant was successful and today at 8½ years old, she is a happy and healthy kid who goes to school, plays with her brother and friends and is enjoying her childhood. Her family continues to pray and thank those who helped save Emily’s life, including the hospital staff and the donor’s family. Vicky and Marvin see every day with their daughter as a blessing.
“When I come home from work, I get a hug. When I’m leaving, I get a kiss.” – Marvin
Meeting Emily’s Donor’s Family: Shared Stories and Heartbeats
Emily and her family had the opportunity to meet her donor’s family in 2023. It was a beautiful and extraordinary experience that left both families emotional. They met the donor’s sisters, mother and grandmother. Together, they all cried and hugged each other. At one point, the donor’s mother listened to Emily’s heart and recorded the heartbeat so she could always listen to her daughter’s heart that lives on in Emily. Marvin and Vicky feel extremely grateful for the donor family’s selfless decision by saying “yes” to organ donation.
“Every day I hug her. I tell her that I love her. That I really love her. Every day I thank God and also the kind-hearted people for making is possible for my daughter to be here with me today.” – Vicky
Emily Now: Enjoying Her Childhood and Celebrating Life
Thanks to her organ donor hero, Emily gets to live and experience her childhood. She is currently in elementary school and her favorite game to play is hide and seek. In her free time, she likes to visit the park and play with her dolls. Her favorite toy is a sheep, which she has had since she was two years old. Her family’s favorite memory will always be when Emily received her second chance at life. Emily’s heart transplant experience has inspired her to want to be a doctor when she grows up.
“Our days are now happy. Thanks to God, she is a normal girl. She plays, jumps, eats, drinks, screams and is mischievous like any child.” – Vicky
Emily Raises Awareness About Organ Donation Through Infinite Legacy’s Bilingual Campaigns
Emily is featured in multi-faceted bilingual public awareness campaigns with Infinite Legacy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She is using her story to raise awareness about organ donation and celebrate the heroes who make life-changing saves both on and off the field. Emily’s story is featured on NBC4 and Telemundo44 in Washington, DC and WBAL Channel 11 in Baltimore. She is also featured in a bilingual billboard campaign to encourage people to register to be an organ donor and save lives.
How You Can Make an Impact: Register as an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor
Marvin and Vicky proudly raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation within the Hispanic and Latino community. Vicky admits she was not originally registered as an organ donor until after Emily’s life was saved through transplantation. Their family now advocates for others to register because you too have the power to save lives and help other families. Vicky hopes others who are going through hardships listen to Emily’s story and use it as encouragement and inspiration. Her story is proof that anyone can overcome difficult times and miracles do happen.