Heart CENTER
Schuster
Diagnosed at birth,
congenital heart defect

Heart transplant gives patient a fresh chance for active, healthy childhood

After battling heart disease since birth, Schuster received a heart transplant a few years ago. Since then, he has fought back from rejection of the organ to finally get where he wants to be – living the life of an active teenager with a bright future and loving family.

“We were so worried when Schuster turned purple three days after he was born,” says Luisa Zuniga, Schuster’s mother. “The doctors immediately recognized he was having heart problems and took him to Texas Children’s Heart Center.”

As his anxious parents awaited answers, Schuster was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that meant his tiny heart did not pump enough blood and the arteries connected to it were too small to distribute blood and oxygen properly.

Time was crucial, and a few days later Schuster had his first heart surgery. One year later, instead of blowing out birthday candles or beginning to toddle, Schuster had a second heart surgery. His third surgery – to insert a pacemaker into his heart – was three years later.

The surgeries helped, but as Schuster grew his heart problems worsened. Then, when he was 11, Schuster’s family came to a critical juncture when doctors told them a heart transplant was his only hope for survival.

“It was a hard time for our family,” says Luisa. “They sent us home with a beeper so they could notify us when a heart was available, and we were very nervous. Schuster was sad because he couldn’t do any of the things other children his age could do.”

After a couple of months of worrying and waiting, the family finally received the call they had been hoping for -- a heart was available. The transplant went smoothly, and just two weeks later the family celebrated Schuster’s homecoming.

Although the new heart was the gift of life Schuster needed, he still had another hurdle to clear. One year after the surgery, he was rushed to the hospital because his body was attempting to reject the transplanted heart. He went into kidney failure and was put on dialysis.

But Schuster didn’t let that stop him. One month later, he was back on track and able to go home.

During the entire experience, Luisa says, they appreciated the patience of the Texas Children’s Heart Center staff that thoroughly explained all the procedures and helped the family cope with Schuster’s illness.

Today, Schuster is active and loves sports and spending time outside. He has a gentle, mature manner and enjoys his role as big brother to three siblings.

“Before the surgery, I couldn’t swim very long, run very fast or ride my bike,” says Schuster. “Now I can do all of those things.”

“He is a much happier, healthier child now,” adds Luisa. “And we have Texas Children’s Hospital and the family of the heart donor to thank.”