2-year-old in Lexington continues recovery following major surgery
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Months after having major surgery in Boston, a 2-year-old girl from Lexington is continuing her road to recovery.
It was last January when Kenslie Shealy's parents received the devastating news she had been born with a narrow aorta. Doctors concluded that the lack of blood flow was creating a major strain on her heart and kidneys.
Mobile users, tap here to see beautiful photos of Kenslie's recovery.
Kenslie flew to Boston with her father and had surgery to correct the problem in March. Doctors were able to widen Kenslie's abdominal aorta using stents. She and her family recently returned to Lexington.
Her parents, Calvin and Lori Shealy, say their daughter at one point was on dialysis during her ordeal and had to have a kidney removed because of the disorder.
The Shealys say Kenslie has spent many days this summer playing with her two sisters and one younger brother Hollis, who was born just as she was leaving to have surgery.
The story of the little girl's struggle did draw the attention of the community. Several fundraisers were held in and around Lexington since January to help the Shealy's with medical expenses. In all about $50,000 was raised.
"The support the love and prayers, most especially the prayers," Lori said. "I don't think she'd be here without them. There's really no words to thank people for stuff like that."
Her parents say Kenslie is going to need a follow up surgery later in life. They're say they're hoping to hold off on that until she's at least 10 years old.
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