Toddler's 'Bionic Heart' Keeps Her Go, Go, Go at Age 2

Two-year-old Blake races down slides and swings as high as she can, powered by what her grandfather calls her "bionic heart."

Blake was diagnosed with a serious heart condition before birth. Her parents knew she would need multiple open-heart surgeries throughout her life.

At 14 months old, everything changed. Blake was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which pushed her fragile heart into failure. She needed emergency surgery immediately.

The first operation didn't work. Blake's parents faced every parent's worst nightmare as their toddler fought for her life.

A few months later, surgeons tried again. This time, they implanted a mechanical valve to help her heart open and close properly. The surgery succeeded.

Blake will need another operation when she's between 7 and 9 years old. Her heart will grow, but the mechanical valve won't grow with it. Surgeries will continue into her adult life.

Yet for Blake's parents, the mechanical valve brought an incredible gift: peace of mind. "We don't worry about her not waking up in the morning, or wondering if her heart is still beating," her father Devin Etherington said.

Sunny's Take

Blake's mom Devin Aubrey says the experience completely changed how she sees everyday life. "Count every day as a blessing," she shared. "It's different when you go through something like this."

Today, Blake is "go, go, go all the time," according to her dad. She runs, plays, and explores like any other toddler. Her bionic heart keeps up with every adventure.

The family found support through the American Heart Association, which gave them a community of families who truly understand their journey. They'll participate in the Heart Walk on November 14 at Meyer Amphitheater in downtown West Palm Beach.

The event honors survivors of heart disease and stroke while raising money for lifesaving research and awareness. Blake's family says they're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported them along the way.

Blake proves that sometimes the smallest hearts are the strongest ones.