Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Infant Given New Heart at Loma Linda Hospital
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A 9-week-old Costa Mesa girl born with potentially fatal heart abnormalities received a new heart Monday.
Paige Patricia Watts was born Sept. 10 at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center and immediately placed on a list of critically ill patients in need of a new heart. Her parents, Bruce and Peggy Watts of Costa Mesa, publicized their child’s plight, hoping that other parents would recognize the need to donate organs whenever possible.
A heart for Paige finally became available, and she underwent surgery Monday morning at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She is still in critical condition, spokeswoman Anita Rockwell said.
Paige became the 24th infant under 6 months of age to undergo heart surgery at Loma Linda since “Baby Moses” received a new heart 3 years ago. Twenty of those children, including Paige, have survived, Rockwell said.
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