Aydan entered the world as a fighting champion. From birth, he faced several complex medical conditions that would require great strength — of mind, body, and spirit — to overcome. He was born with just one kidney, an enlarged heart, and extensive swelling in his tissue and organs.
At three years old and weighing only 35 pounds, Aydan suffered both heart failure and a stroke that paralyzed his right arm and leg. He was placed on a heart/lung machine (ECMO) and endured intense rehabilitation over several months at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.
Aydan was placed on the heart transplant list and spent five months at Levine Children’s Hospital. His heart couldn’t pump enough blood, so he was supported by a Berlin Heart, an external artificial heart that allowed him to stay active while waiting for his transplant.
Even during his most challenging times, Aydan’s bright smile, charm, and wit captured the hearts of his care team and fellow patients. He’d often be seen striking a Spider Man pose, living every day with joy and lifting the spirits of patients and families.
A Second Chance, A New Heart
Just one month before Aydan’s fourth birthday, his mother, Miriam, received the greatest news of their lives: there was a heart available, and Aydan was a perfect match. Aydan received his new heart thanks to another family’s heartbreaking and generous decision to choose organ donation and give the gift of life. Following the surgery, Aydan was asked what he thought his heart beat, and he responded with one word: “Love.”
Aydan’s heart surgeon, Dr. Thomas Maxey, marvels at Aydan’s growth over the past eight years. ” ‘Warrior’ is an understatement for Aydan,” he said. “He has a glowing personality, spunk, grit, and a passion for life.”
Aydan credits his care team—including heart surgeon Dr. Thomas Maxey (left) and cardiologist Dr. Gonzalo Wallis (right)—for helping him thrive.
A Champion for Children
Now 12 years old, Aydan is thriving. From playing the trombone and video games, to enjoying “all types” of candy, his enthusiasm for life abounds. Always full of love for his fellow heart warriors and other patients at Levine Children’s Hospital, Aydan has embarked on a new journey in life: serving as the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion for the Charlotte area, an honor that recognizes his greatest qualities.
CMN’s Impact: The first ECMO machine at Levine Children’s Hospital was purchased with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) funds. These unrestricted funds allow hospital leadership to purchase what is needed, when it is needed. ECMO is a type of life support that keeps blood moving through the body and blood gases in balance. It serves as temporary heart and lungs, allowing a patient’s organs to rest. CMN has since funded additional ECMO machines used throughout Atrium Health Levine Children’s care locations, saving the lives of our most critical pediatric patients.