Teesside mum on post-heart transplant story of Evie Green

Evie Green was diagnosed with myocarditis - a condition triggered by simple viral infections that in serious cases can lead to heart failure - when she was just four months old after she was born in July 2019 at The James Cook University Hospital.

David Green, Chloe Green, Evie and Theo celebrating Christmas in 2023 (Image: FAMILY) This led to frequent visits to the children and young people’s emergency department at James Cook for the toddler, which was an anxious period for parents Chloe Green and David Green. 

However, due to a worsening heart condition, the five-year-old was admitted to the Freeman Hospital and was placed onto a Berlin Heart left ventricular assist device (VAD) in Spring 2023 – where she waited for over a year to receive a heart transplant. 

Evie in her home after receiving heart transplant (Image: FAMILY) Her mum Chloe, 29, said: “Evie was attached to a machine, so she was unable to move around without us following her. She was on strong blood thinners so we made her very cautious about everything because any knock could cause her to bleed out. 

“She could not run around at all and was unable to leave the hospital to go home at all. Moreover, Evie was unable to see her brother Theo when he was ill and could only visit on weekends and holidays.”

After countless barriers such as sepsis, infections and several blood clots, Evie finally managed to receive a heart transplant this year.

Evie donning a Middlesbrough FC shirt (Image: FAMILY) Since receiving the life-changing transplant Evie’s family has seen a significant impact on her life and are thrilled to witness the positive changes.

“It has been a delight to see our daughter running around without a machine attached to her – just like a normal five-year-old," added Chloe.

Evie Green enjoying post-heart transplant life (Image: FAMILY) “Not just running but watching her going to the beach, visiting her late grandad’s tree and having a bath have been a joy for our little family.  

“Before the transplant, she did not eat well as she was on a VAD, but ever since her transplant, seeing our daughter have a hearty full meal has been the greatest pleasure and heartwarming."

Evie Green enjoying post-heart transplant life (Image: FAMILY) To celebrate Organ Donation Week (23-29 September), Evie’s family is urging people to consider organ donation.

This year marks 30 years of the NHS Organ Donor Register which was set up in 1994.

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Stories showing the impact of organ donation, like Evie’s, are being shared to inspire people to confirm their donation decision on the register to mark the anniversary and help save more lives. 

Evie's dad David added: “I urge people to sign up to the NHS organ register to make their decision known. 

“Sharing these stories is all we can do as it will get people talking about the children waiting for an organ transplant. Think of the futures that can be saved from the amazing gift of organ donation.”