When Cierra and Avery Rice brought their newborn daughter home, they had every reason to believe she was a perfectly healthy baby. But when little Amaya was just five days old, terrifying symptoms emerged: she stopped taking her bottle, began sweating profusely, and grew unusually pale. A frantic rush to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte revealed a shocking and completely unexpected reality—Amaya was battling a complex congenital heart condition.

(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)
(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)

Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Amanda Cook diagnosed Amaya with a large hole between the bottom chambers of her tiny heart, a small aortic valve, and a severe narrowing in her aorta. While the news was frightening, the medical team immediately wrapped the family in reassurance. They laid out a detailed, confident care plan that gave Cierra and Avery profound peace of mind. The compassionate staff even took the time to gently comfort and explain the situation to Amaya’s four-year-old sister, Hayden, ensuring the whole family felt supported.

(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)
(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)

Amaya quickly proved just how incredibly resilient she was. At less than a week old, she underwent a complex open-heart surgery to establish reliable blood flow throughout her body. Showing immense strength, she conquered a second major operation before she even reached her first birthday, successfully closing the hole in her heart and widening an artery to her lungs.

The road to recovery continued at home, where Amaya initially relied on a feeding tube, daily baby aspirin, and injections to prevent blood clots. Fortunately, the Rice family did not have to navigate this fragile time alone. Supported by the CHAMP program and in-home nursing care funded by The HEARTest Yard, they received essential day-to-day medical assistance. Their full-time nurse, Isabelle, not only monitored Amaya's vitals but also became an integral, beloved extension of their family.

(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)
(Courtesy of Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital)

Today, Amaya has joyously celebrated her first birthday and boasts an excellent prognosis. Described by her mom as tough, independent, and full of love, this thriving one-year-old is looking toward a wonderfully bright future. As Cierra and Avery watch her reach new milestones, they are filled with profound gratitude, knowing that their resilient daughter is ready to take on the world with a smile.

Subscribe to The Bright Story and step into a world of hope, wonder, and humanity at its best. With unlimited access, discover powerful personal journeys, heartwarming family and animal stories, incredible discoveries, and the everyday kindness that makes life brighter.

#babies#baby#heart#heartsurgery