One 6-year-old didn't let a medical procedure stop her from fulfilling her wish to dance in her ballet studio's The Nutcracker production. Caroline went in for a routine cardiologist appointment for what doctors believed to have been a mild heart murmur. Instead, the team at the Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC realized that it was more serious.
She needed open heart surgery to tend to a more serious health condition that she had. The usual procedure would have prohibited her from dancing in the ballet production, but the surgeon had another idea.
Dr. Manan Desai, a pediatric cardiac surgeon, learned about Caroline's wish to participate in the production. He suggested a less invasive procedure that would enable her to recover faster. And it ended up working out!
"Weeks after heart surgery Caroline was center stage at the #Nutcracker!" the caption to a post made by the hospital read. "We’re thankful for doctors who think outside the box and do what’s best for our patients so our patients can #GROWUPStronger! Congratulations on a beautiful performance, Caroline! #feelgoodfriday."
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People in the comments were moved by Caroline's story.
"Outstanding, all around," one person said.
"Thank you @childrensnational for taking such good care of our little reindeer!" the ballet studio that Caroline dances at commented. "And congratulations to Caroline on her brilliant performance!!!"
