Meet Marshall and Myla, two remarkable children whose lives intertwined at Lurie Children's Hospital. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship in the face of hardship and survival.

In the Heart of Chicago, Friendship Blossomed Amidst Medical Struggles

Friendship Beyond Age

Marshall and Myla's friendship defied the typical boundaries of age. Myla was 11 when they met, while Marshall was just 6. Their rooms were adjacent in the hospital, and it was this proximity that sparked their connection. As they started talking, a bond began to form. Myla recalls, "We met in the hospital, and at first, our rooms were next to each other. We started talking, and we became friends." Marshall added, "One of the reasons we also became BFFs is because on her birthday, I made a card, and the card said, 'Would you be my BFF?'" This simple gesture showed the depth of their friendship from the start.

Waiting Together for a New Beginning

Both Marshall and Myla were born with heart conditions that kept them in and out of the hospital. It was a difficult time for them, but they found solace in each other's company. Myla said, "We really had no friends except me and her, and so we went everywhere together." They spent months waiting in the hospital, inseparable, sharing every moment. Marshall continued, "We were there together, supporting each other through the long wait. It made the time go by a bit easier."

The Journey to a New Heart

Myla's journey to receiving a new heart began in April when she was admitted to Lurie. Three months later, in July, she received the life-changing news. Her mother, Heather, described the mixed emotions, saying, "There's a weird feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time. You are joyful for yourself and sadness and remorse for the loss of another family." Marshall found out about Myla's good news shortly after and expressed his emotions. He said, "Yeah, I was happy for her and kind of sad… because I didn't get one." Myla added, "I was kind of sad to leave Marshall, but I also really wanted to go get a heart so I could go home and see my dog."

Looking Forward to a New Life

Marshall still waits for his new heart, but he remains hopeful. His doctors are confident that the right heart will come at the right time. Dr. Phillip Thrush said, "I am not just hopeful, but I’m pretty confident that he will get his heart. It’s just a matter of time. And the good news is he is in such good shape for a transplant. He does all the things he needs to do to be a really good transplant candidate while he waits." In the meantime, Marshall gets the love and attention he needs at Lurie and looks forward to Myla's once-a-month checkups. He said, "After I get my heart, I’m going to have super speed. They’re going to take my DNA, and I’m going to have super speed."

The Lasting Bond

Even though Myla has received her new heart and is on the road to recovery, she and Marshall still have that special bond. Their parents have also become close, grateful for the support they have received from each other and the caring staff at Lurie. Jeff, Myla's father, said, "Myla’s condition was deteriorating, and she’s alive because of Lurie’s. I owe my daughter’s life to it." This bond will remain with them forever, a reminder of the strength that can be found in the face of adversity.