Isabel Marie was born on December 3, 2015, appearing perfectly healthy. But just one day later, everything changed. During a routine hearing test, a nurse noticed Izzy’s lips had turned an ashy gray. Her oxygen saturation had dropped to just 60 percent—a sign something was seriously wrong.
Izzy was quickly transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Grossmont Hospital and then rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)—a rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. Without immediate intervention, this condition prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the body, leading to critical complications.
The cardiac team at Rady Children’s wasted no time. Izzy underwent an emergency cardiac catheterization to improve oxygen circulation. Then, at just six days old, she bravely underwent open-heart surgery to complete an arterial switch procedure, aligning her heart’s arteries with the correct chambers. Thanks to the expert care she received, Izzy made an incredible recovery and was able to go home in time for her very first Christmas—after just 16 days at Rady Children’s.
Today, Izzy is a thriving 9-year-old—healthy, smart, strong, and the proud big sister to 8-year-old Stella. She’s one of the tallest in her class and is active in Girl Scouts and on the softball field, where playing catcher is her favorite position. Though Izzy doesn’t remember those early days, her parents will never forget—and they’ve made it their mission to give back. Since her surgery, the Salem family has raised more than $275,000 in support of the Heart Institute at Rady Children’s Hospital.
“The team at Rady Children’s made all the difference—not just in making sure our little girl received the best cardiac care, but in taking care of us as parents too. They made sure we were fed, had a place to sleep, and never felt alone. We can’t imagine being anywhere else but Rady Children’s.”
Monica, Izzy’s mom
Izzy continues to be monitored by her longtime cardiologist, Dr. Davis, and she loves sharing her story to advocate for other heart warriors and for the hospital that saved her life.
