Born on May 27, 2008, Paitn was diagnosed on January 30, 2008 with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy, "which means big heart" a condition where her heart became enlarged and weakened, and could not efficiently pump my blood.  Miss Paitn needed a heart transplant, fast!! 

     Paitn was listed for a heart transplant on the day after Valentine’s.  Four days later, it was decided that she would receive a Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric VAD (ventricular assist device) to assist her and keep her  alive until her perfect heart arrived.  The Berlin Heart is the only pediatric heart pump that provides medium-to-long-term mechanical circulatory support for infants and children awaiting heart transplantations.  The device has been approved in Germany and Europe since 1992, but does not have FDA approval for use in pediatric hospitals in the United States.  Paitn received her Berlin Heart on February 23, 2008 under the FDA’s emergency or “compassionate use” regulations.

Paitn's Berlin Heart            Fightin' the Fight             Happy St. Paitn's Day

     Paitn's perfect new heart arrived on March 19, 2008!!!  She and her family received the most generous gift of a second chance at life from people who do not even know her.....for that we will forever be grateful.  Paitn was discharged from the hospital on April 8, 2008 and was able to return home to Gardiner, Maine on May 13, 2008.  There is no place like home!