BHS freshman waiting for heart transplant
Natalie, LaBelle, 15, of Montrose, a freshman at Buffalo High School (BHS), is now on the transplant list waiting for a new heart. Natalie was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) as an infant. “We found out her septum was thick and blocking her mitral valve and that she would need surgery,” Natalie’s mother Tabitha LaBelle shared.
“The information the doctor gave us was from Mayo Clinic (Rochester). We found out that Dr. Dearani (M.D.) was one of the best surgeons for it,” LaBelle stated. Natalie had a mitral valve placed, which had to be replaced soon after due to scar tissue growing over it.
“Before Natalie’s second birthday, she started having trouble breathing,” LaBelle explained. Natalie coded (went into cardiac arrest) shortly after arriving at an emergency room in Eau Clare, and she was emergently transported to Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
“She was placed on the transplant list shortly after her second birthday,” LaBelle said. Natalie coded again, so it was decided that her best option at that time was to have a porcine (pig) heart valve placed. “She couldn’t wait for a transplant,” LaBelle recalled.
“That valve lasted 10 years, it was only supposed to last three years,” she explained. “I have no doubt that they saved her life. Mayo has taken Natalie and always done what is best for her. They treat patients as individuals,” LaBelle said.
In 2020, Natalie was admitted due to having difficulty breathing and changes in her endurance. “The surgeon said he did the best he could, but that it was a B+ surgery,” LaBelle shared.
“We knew she would need a new heart once that valve was done,” she stated. Natalie’s family recently noticed changes in her endurance once again. Natalie went to weeks of appointments to qualify for a transplant.
She was placed on the transplant list on October 3, at 1B status. “The doctor said it’ll be about a 12-week wait,” LaBelle explained. “It’s uncharted territory,” LaBelle explained. “Natalie has awareness that if she doesn’t get a new heart, that she will die. She wants to live to be an adult, become an aunt to her siblings’ child or children someday, and have a career,” LaBelle shared.
As the LaBelle family waits for the call, they are required to stay within four hours of Mayo Clinic in Rochester. “She just fights her way back after surgery. I know that she is going to rock this transplant. I am excited for her to feel healthy,” LaBelle stated.
“We are keeping an eye on her. If she needs more care, we may be waiting inpatient until she gets a transplant,” LaBelle expounded. “We are hoping she can wait at home and be with family and friends,” LaBelle continued.
After a transplant, Natalie would be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for three to four weeks. Then, Natalie and her mom, Tabitha, would stay near the hospital as Natalie would have multiple check-ups a week. In the past, Natalie and Tabitha have stayed at Ronald McDonald House. “We hope to stay in a house through AirB&B for family to come visit, and a yard for the dogs,” LaBelle shared.
More about Natalie
Natalie lives in Montrose with her parents Tabitha and Matt LaBelle, along with her siblings, Isaiah (20), Jeremiah (17), and Nathan (13). Natalie attends Buffalo High School using the special education program. Natalie and her brothers were born with the same genetic mutation, a collagen mutation that causes bleeding in the smallest vessels in the brain. It has affected each child differently.
Natalie is diplegic, and she uses a walker when her heart is healthy. When her heart is not doing great, she is wheelchair bound. “Our kids’ whole lives have been a lot of appointments. We are used to this pace, and we try to mix in a good amount of fun. We love to road trip,” Tabitha shared.
Outside of school, Natalie also attends youth group at her church. “She has a lot of supportive friends; her church friends made bracelets with her name on it,” LaBelle stated. “It makes Natalie feel supported,” Natalie’s mom commented.
In May, Natalie got a service dog, named Hominy, who goes with her everywhere. Hominy is allowed all over Mayo Clinic and the hospital. “The only place Hominy is not allowed is the ICU,” LaBelle disclosed.
Natalie also has her own YouTube channel, where she has documented her process of getting a service dog, her friends and family, going to camps, her pets, and more. Her YouTube channel can be found at: https://www.you tube.com/@nataliesroom8232/videos.
There is also GoFundMe and CaringBridge pages set up for Natalie. The GoFundMe link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/natalies-new-heart?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=custo.
