A routine flu shot appointment led to nine-year-old Lily Diver's life being saved when her doctor discovered a heart murmur, catching a critical congenital heart defect that could have been fatal. Following their family tradition, they took Lily to RWJBarnabas Health in Bayonne, New Jersey, for flu shots when Dr. Vincent Serafino noticed something unusual during Lily's check-up.
Following the diagnosis, she was referred to a pediatric cardiologist, who explained the seriousness of her condition and the necessity for her to undergo open-heart surgery. Despite the urgency of the situation, Lily was remarkably calm and was more concerned about not being able to play in her basketball team’s championship game than the impending surgery.
Less than five weeks after the initial diagnosis, Lily underwent a successful five-hour surgery performed at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and a month later, she was back at school and is expected to be able to resume dancing with the cheer squad soon. Her story illustrates how vital it can be for children to have regular appointments with a physician. In this case, it was a lifesaver.
Source: People