PORT ANGELES — For Haille Alley and her family, placing four candles on a birthday cake Monday holds extra meaning.
When Haille was diagnosed with congenital heart failure on Feb. 17, 2002, many wondered if the little girl would live.
A month later Haille underwent a heart transplant.
Last week, she giggled and jumped up and down while her mother, Crystal Alley, pushed her on a merry-go-round.
“It is kind of mind-blowing to think that we may not have had a fourth birthday,” Haille’s grandmother, Kathleen Anding, said.
“She has come so far.”
Haille lives with her grandparents, Don and Kathleen Anding of Port Angeles, to receive constant care from family members.
But Haille’s mother and 1½-year-old brother, Zachary, are never far away.
“It is amazing,” Alley said while watching her children play. “You would never know anything was ever wrong with her.”
Medications still taken
More than two years after the transplant, Haille takes a few medications to prevent organ rejection and strengthen her immune system, but she is healthy for the most part.
“We take precautions and still limit the number of people who come into contact with her, because picking up a cold or flu for her can be very serious,” Anding said.
Haille also undergoes routine medical examinations. Her last biopsy was done in April and was near perfect.
Anding said Haille enjoys playing outside, riding with her “papa” (Don Anding) on equipment when he does yard work, driving her electronic, mini pink jeep around the yard and playing on the computer.
“She is a little spoiled — she rules the roost,” Anding said.
