NEED TO KNOW
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Kennidi Werley, a Texas mom, is inspiring many by sharing her daughter’s journey.
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Her daughter, Oakley, received a heart transplant after spending a year hospitalized.
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Now at 8 years old, Kennidi describes Oakley as “thriving,” using her story to remind others to appreciate the little moments in life.
A Texas mother, Kennidi Werley, is connecting with millions by sharing her experience with her daughter, Oakley.
In November 2023, when Oakley was just 6, Kennidi learned that her daughter required a heart transplant after a visit to the doctor for the Fontan procedure, an operation aimed at children with only one functioning heart ventricle. Initially, Kennidi and her husband, Braden, believed this would be a standard procedure, but after three hours of waiting, they received unexpected and alarming news.
“Her surgeon explained that her heart was too complicated for another palliative surgery, and the outcome didn’t look good,” Kennidi recalls. “We never anticipated facing this. Her heart was failing, and they told us we had about two years left if she didn’t get a transplant.”
By January 2024, Oakley had officially been listed as an outpatient but soon became too ill to stay outside the hospital, leading to her admission in February for closer monitoring while waiting for a donor.
Kennidi shares that this waiting phase was “incredibly tough,” knowing they were against the clock. Observing her daughter connected to an IV for an entire year was daunting, yet Oakley’s resilience provided some comfort. “She really was such a bright light during that time,” Kennidi reflects.
“Waiting was excruciating. We understood that circumstances were beyond our control, and every day we prayed for Oakley’s miracle,” Kennidi, who also has a son named Kash and twins, adds. “Oakley’s energy and joy made it a bit easier, even during this tough period.”
A year later, the family received the hopeful call about a donor match. Kennidi describes the moment as filled with mixed feelings, recognizing that their joy coincided with another family’s loss. Ultimately, she is immensely thankful that they decided to donate an organ, saving Oakley’s life.
“Words fall short when it comes to expressing our gratitude,” she states.
Almost immediately after the 13-hour surgery, Kennidi observed changes in Oakley; her previously blue lips and purple fingers transformed into a healthy pink. “Every day she grew stronger,” Kennidi remarks, calling it a miracle.
Now at 8, Oakley is “thriving” according to her mother. She’s actively engaged in gymnastics and dance and loves spending time with her siblings. “She has such boundless energy and wants to embrace every experience life offers,” Kennidi shares. “It’s a life we couldn’t have envisioned for Oakley; it truly feels like a precious gift.”
A year after Oakley’s heart transplant, Kennidi continues to use social media to advocate for organ donation awareness. In a viral video, she openly discussed Oakley’s journey and expressed gratitude toward Oakley’s “little hero.”
“One year ago, we had no idea what awaited us,” she wrote in her video’s caption. “The legacy of her little hero lives on in the most beautiful way, all because of a ‘yes.’”
Through her videos, Kennidi hopes to inspire others to “never overlook the small moments.”
“Those truly are the significant moments, ones we’ll miss dearly, and ones our family prayed so hard to reclaim,” she reflects. “We spent 16 months away from home awaiting Oakley’s miracle and during her recovery. Now, we’re just so thankful to be together at home.”
