ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - At just 5 years old, Katherine Lange has endured three open-heart surgeries, almost 40 blood tests, nearly 10 heart catheterizations and several hospital stints.
Her father, Gary, said that’s because his daughter was born with half a heart, a rare disorder known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome."The left side of her heart never developed, or its severely underdeveloped," Gary told FOX Television Stations. "She’s basically missing half her heart." "She can have a heart attack at any time.
She could have a stroke at any time," he continued.Compounding the ordeal, Gary said the pressure from her heart has led to her liver leaking protein. RELATED: Houston-area family says local hospital admits they gave infant child wrong medication, baby severely injuredGary said he and his wife, Casey Armstrong-Lange, were informed about their daughter’s condition when Casey was 20 weeks pregnant.
They had the option of terminating the pregnancy but chose to carry it out. Katherine and Gary Lange (Credit: Gary Lange) The father said Katherine’s surgeries and medications have allowed her to live a somewhat normal life with her heart defect, but heart and liver transplants could be in her future. "She fights every day," he added. "She fights every day to run with her friends."As of now, Gary said his daughter seems to comprehend her condition.RELATED: Gas stoves linked to childhood asthma, other health risks in adults, research shows"I think she does understand more than what she lets on," he continued.