Transplant brings out the heart of St. Francis Xavier community

Friday, Apr. 10, 2015

KEARNS — The St. Francis Xavier School community has joined together to help one of their own over the past several months. 

At the first of the year, 22-month-old Harlow Whitney, whose three siblings attend St. Francis, was one of many who were diagnosed with the flu.

After several weeks of symptoms, Harlow woke up swollen and puffy. Another doctor visit resulted in a diagnosis of an allergic reaction that would pass in a few days with Benadryl.  On Feb. 4, after a couple of days with no signs of improvement, Harlow was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital, where she was diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cardiomyopathy. She was immediately placed in the cardiac intensive care unit, where she remained for a month while tests were conducted to find a cause for her quickly failing heart. 

February was an extremely stressful month for the Whitneys as they juggled work, their three other children and a scared little girl who didn’t want to be alone in the hospital.

On Feb. 26, Harlow had an MRI that showed a heart transplant was inevitable; however, she has a rare blood type, and it could be close to a year before a heart would be available.

Within hours of hearing this news the phone rang and a doctor announced that a heart had become available. Harlow would be having her heart transplant within hours, proving the power of prayer and positive energy. 

The operation was successful, and Harlow is recovering at home. The family is incredibly grateful for all the prayers they have received to help this miracle happen. Harlow and her family have a long road ahead of them.

The St. Francis Xavier Catholic School community came together with the Helping Hands for Harlow’s Heart fundraiser to assist the Whitney family with astronomical medical expenses. The students, faculty, staff and friends of the school participated in a coin challenge between the grades. Several bottles were filled with donations for the Whitney family. The students came together knowing the only gift they would receive in return for their donation was the knowledge that they helped a member of their school family.

Contributions are still being accepted to help the Whitney family. Donations may be made at any branch of Zions Bank for the Harlow’s donation account, or at America First Credit Union for the Harlow’s Heart Fund (9072612). Donations also may be made online at http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/harlow-s-heart/314397#.VPKuZS50wq9.facebook.