Waiting on a heart for Katelyn Newell

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Imagine the shock of finding out that something inside your child’s body is failing, and time is quickly running out for them, but all you need to rewind and restart that clock is one life-saving phone call.

Unfortunately, this nearly unimaginable horror is a reality for one Wabash Valley family, as they spend everyday waiting, searching for the one thing that could pump new life into their child: a new heart.

7-year-old Katelyn Newell is in the second grade. Like most little girls, she has a variety of hobbies.

She is very smart, she loves to read, she loves to dance—when she can, of course—and she loves math.

Most importantly, according to Katelyn’s family, she loves Justin Bieber.

In April, however, her family received the unfortunate news that Katelyn is in need of a life-saving heart transplant.

Katelyn’s health has always been a priority to the Newell family previously to the news; however, now it is the focal point for their concerns.

Doctors discussed the scenarios, procedures and equipment with Katelyn’s parents about her situations.

“We found out that the pacemaker is going to help for a little bit, but it’s not gonna fix the problem,” said Robin Newell, Katelyn’s mother.

Within the last couple of years, Katelyn’s worsening symptoms demanded more immediate action.

“Chest pains; she collapsed a few times, getting blue, real weak, can’t walk far,” Robin stated.

So, now they wait for their pager to signal them when a heart has arrived.

When describing the situation, Robin said, “[It’s] scary, very scary. I mean, she’s had heart problems since birth, but we thought we were done. We thought they had fixed everything. Come to find out, it’s not even close to being done.”

Though the family and doctors remain optimistic about finding a heart, Robin has another fear.

“Rejection. It’s my…I’m scared, because [she] can always reject the organ,” Robin said.

It’s an unnerving situation for the Newell family, as they continue to wait for the life-saving call.

A heart transplant costs roughly $500,000. Volunteers hope to raise at least $30,000 to help the family.

If you'd like to help, click on this link to donate.

To become a volunteer to help with fundraising, call (812) 356-4049.