Mikari was just 2-years-old when she visited Loma Linda University Children’s Health for an enlarged heart. Her doctors determined she had heart failure and diagnosed her with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle and hinders its pumping ability. At first, Mikari’s treatment involved medication and monitoring, but two years later, doctors determined that she needed a new heart. While she was waiting for a heart transplant, her team gave her a mechanical ventricular assist device to keep her heart pumping. As her care team continued to monitor her, they set up scavenger hunts, dance parties, and fun activities to keep her busy during the stressful waiting period. Then, five months later, a heart became available. The next day, Mikari underwent a successful surgery. After a few weeks of additional monitoring, Mikari was discharged. Today, she is a vibrant six-year-old girl who loves school and dreams of traveling the world. Mikari continues to visit Loma Linda University Children’s Health for routine check-ups and is thriving with her new, healthy heart.