Sophia has been treated for a heart defect at Wolfson’s Children’s since she was a newborn. At just one week old, Sophia underwent her first open-heart surgery and by the time she was 15 months old, she had had three more surgeries. “Sophia’s heart defect is extremely rare,” said Jose Ettedgui, MD, pediatric interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Wolfson Children’s Terry Heart Institute.

Sophia’s mom shared, “We have never had to worry about the care she was receiving. We have always had above and beyond excellent care with every surgery stay, or even just regular appointment we’ve had there. The nurses and doctors have always been awesome and very kid-oriented. We honestly couldn’t ask for a better children’s hospital, it is such a blessing.”

Although Sophia may need additional procedures in the future, today she is a growing and thriving middle schooler. She likes learning how to play the piano with her music teacher at school, participating in safety patrol, and hanging out with her friends.