At Stanford Children’s, a Young Patient Battles Heart Failure—and Rediscovers Joy in Movement

Puuwai was simply 4 years previous when he arrived at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health in November 2024. His coronary heart was failing. The medical workforce within the Betty Irene Moore Children’s Heart Center acted rapidly, implanting a ventricular assist device (VAD), a mechanical pump designed to maintain his coronary heart working whereas he awaited a potential coronary heart transplant.

The months that adopted had been marked by a sequence of challenges for Puuwai—or “Puu,” as his caregivers affectionately name him. Extended sedation, restricted mobility and quite a few medical procedures left him weak, unable to carry out even the only actions. However within the midst of a posh medical restoration, Puu started one other journey: one among rediscovering methods to transfer, play, and to smile once more.

Guiding him alongside that path have been occupational therapist Jen Rivera and bodily therapist Leslie Lam, who make up the core of Puu’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Services workforce. Their periods have develop into a day by day ritual of music, motion and small however vital victories.

“Witnessing Puu’s bravery as he accepts each problem we throw his method throughout our remedy periods has been an inspiration,” say his therapists. “Our rehab workforce is honored to be a part of his journey.”

Puu’s hospital keep has included many procedures with lengthy intervals of sedation. The months of inactivity left Puu weakened. However with a routine fastidiously tailor-made to his wants, his care workforce has helped him regain fundamental talents: shifting in mattress, sitting up, standing, and now, strolling with help.

Their periods have develop into a celebration of pleasure and milestones. The Addams Household theme songs—full with snapping and dancing—opens a lot of their periods. There are high-fives, balloon video games to have a good time his stuffed animals’ birthdays, and hugs to encourage standing and strengthening. In a single breakthrough, Puu sat upright on a tilt desk for the primary time and exclaimed, “Pleased!”

What makes Puu’s journey significantly distinctive is the position his VAD performs. The machine is used as a bridge to coronary heart transplant, and his medical workforce particularly chosen it to present him time and the energy to endure intensive rehabilitation.

Now, months into his hospital keep, Puu is now not simply sitting up or standing—he’s cruising the hallways on scooter boards, embarking on scavenger hunts, and flashing his brilliant smile.  

There’s nonetheless an extended street forward. However for his household and his care workforce at Stanford Kids’s, Puu’s braveness and progress function a strong reminder of what’s potential.