“There’s a lot of unknowns and what ifs, but as one learns about how a heart transplant works, it gives one a peace of mind, especially if you have amazing doctors and social workers who all work together!” – Stated by Mom

At that point mom and dad were informed from the Cardiology team that Adriel’s heart pressures needed to come down, since they were still high. The way the doctors said that they could bring his pressures down and help his heart pump better was by placing a berlin pump on his left side of his heart.

June 13, 2023, he went in to get his Berlin heart, and Adriel later named it “JJ”. JJ got it’s name from the kids show Cocomelon and also in reference to his Cardiologist. Adriel naming the heart JJ had a fun double meaning to him.

Mom would joke, but also in all seriousness too, with Adriel to be careful with JJ. Adriel would bend down and look at his heart to make sure JJ was okay.

Adriel was really weak and had to relearn how to sit, walk, and even start talking again after getting ‘JJ’ his Berlin Heart.