DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Sofia Sanchez only wanted two things for her 11th birthday, but they were pretty tall orders: to meet Drake and to get a new heart. The Downers Grove girl — who was on a transplant list after cardiomyopathy led to heart failure — got a visit from Drake on Aug. 18. And then she got a new heart.
Sofia’s mom, Natalie posted an update on her GoFundMe Monday night saying that Sofia’s surgery was successful. “She received a really good, strong heart.”
Sanchez and her family found out Sunday night that she was scheduled for a heart transplant Monday morning, according to an update on her GoFundMe page. After the surgery and recovery at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Sofia will go to Ronald McDonald House for six to eight weeks, the update said.
In a Facebook video, Sofia, a bright-eyed cheerleader who won the hearts of thousands of people with her adorable dance to Drake’s hit song, “In My Feelings,” was overwhelmed when she got the news. She squealed, “I’m getting a heart, Mom? Oh my God.”
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Related: Drake Makes Birthday Wish Come True For Heart Patient, 11
On Sofia’s GoFundMe page, organizers asked for people to say a prayer for Sofia to have a successful surgery and recovery so she can be home by Thanksgiving. They added, “Please also say a prayer for the family who has unselfishly donated a heart for Sofia.”
Image via GoFundMe; GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.