Shands Children's Hospital
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
The Kids
Miracles at Work

The Kids

Josef
New Smyrna Beach, FL

From the time he was born, Josef had trouble breathing and suffered from colds every month. When he became sick again shortly after his family moved to Florida, Josef’s doctor sent him to the hospital for x-rays which showed fluid in his lungs and liver and an enlarged heart. They were referred to Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida where he was diagnosed with Coronary Ostial Stenosis. Josef’s left coronary artery had not developed and the left side of his heart didn’t work. Josef was placed on the transplant list in November 2006 and in April 2007 – 6 days after his fourth birthday – he received a new heart. Four year olds bounce back quickly and today Josef is happy, healthy and having fun playing Spiderman, football and video games.