Scarlett’s heart journey began before she was even born. During a routine anatomy scan, doctors discovered that only two of the four chambers of her heart were working. Her family learned early that she would need specialized care from the moment she arrived.
Even before birth, Scarlett showed incredible strength. She is a twin, with a brother who has become her built in best friend and constant cheerleader. She loves princesses, twirly dresses she calls her “beautifuls,” and has a sweetness that shines through even the hardest moments. Her older siblings and cousins adore her, and her family describes her as their miracle, a child who brings joy wherever she goes.
Turning to Rady Children’s for Lifesaving Heart Care
As Scarlett grew, her family knew she would eventually need complex open-heart surgery. When the time came, they wanted the best possible team caring for their daughter. Their search led them to Rady Children’s Heart Institute and to John Nigro, MD, cardiothoracic and heart transplant surgeon, and Division Chief of Cardiac Surgery & Cardiac Transplant Services at Rady Children’s and clinical professor of surgery at UC San Diego School of Medicine.
From their first conversations with Dr. Nigro, Scarlett’s parents felt a sense of trust and reassurance. They traveled from Arizona to San Diego so their daughter could receive care from a team with deep expertise in single ventricle heart disease. They arrived knowing they were in the right place.
“Dr. Nigro was a godsend,” her mom Veronica says. “Everyone we met made us feel supported. The nurses in the CTICU were incredible. We felt safe every step of the way.”
A Brighter, Stronger Scarlett
The difference after surgery was immediate and remarkable. Scarlett’s oxygen levels rose. Her skin looked brighter. She had more energy. She was no longer affected by illnesses as severely. Her speech improved. Her mood lifted. Her parents say she simply looks happier and more alive. Today, she is more expressive and comfortable in her own body.
Scarlett’s parents encourage families facing congenital heart disease to seek early evaluation and specialized care. Advanced ultrasounds and early diagnosis helped them prepare for their daughter’s needs, and finding the right hospital made all the difference. They want other parents to know that they are not alone and that expert, compassionate care can change everything.
Why Families Trust Rady Children’s Heart Institute
The Rady Children’s Heart Institute is consistently ranked among the top 10 programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It brings together world class congenital heart surgeons, a dedicated Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, and a multidisciplinary team committed to helping children with the most complex heart conditions. Families come from across the region and beyond for care that blends expertise with compassion, giving children like Scarlett the chance to grow, thrive and dream big.
