A young boy celebrated with nurses on the first anniversary of his heart transplant.

John-Henry Lee, 6, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital condition that left one side of his heart unable to pump blood effectively.

After undergoing three surgeries, his condition deteriorated further. With heart failure setting in, a transplant became his only option.

In May 2024, after six months on the waiting list, John-Henry and his mother, Sarah Lee, received the life-changing news that a donor heart had become available.

The following day, Cleveland Clinic Children's paediatric and congenital heart surgeon Dr Hani Najm performed the life-saving procedure.

Dr Shahnawaz Amdani, Section Head of Paediatric Heart Function and Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children's and one of John-Henry's cardiologists, highlighted the transformative impact of heart transplants.

He said: 'For children like John-Henry, a heart transplant provides opportunities to grow, thrive, and experience milestones that might not have been possible otherwise. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of organ donation and the lives it transforms.'

Heartwarming footage shows John-Henry, now seven, playing with his brothers, nurses, and an inflatable T-Rex during his anniversary celebration.

He continues to receive follow-up care and therapy at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation to improve mobility, regain strength, and enhance his quality of life.

Reflecting on the past year, Sarah expressed deep gratitude: 'John-Henry continues to inspire me every day. His journey has not been an easy one, but each day, he finds opportunities to laugh, play, and embrace life.

'There are so many people who have contributed to his remarkable progress, from his care team to his family, to his donor and their family, we are forever grateful for their support and the selfless, compassionate act of organ donation.'