Logan Vandenmeulen was diagnosed with a congenital heart block before he was even born.
Logan, born on Sept. 19, 2013, had a pacemaker installed the next day.
Logan's health declined until he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy three months later. During surgery in Vancouver an upgraded pacemaker was implanted until the next step could be taken.
The Berlin Heart, an external pump that works with the patient's heart, supported proper blood flow as a temporary measure until a donor heart could be found.
The transplant took place July 22, 2104 and after eight months in hospital Logan and his mom Veronica came back to Prince George.
One in 100 Canadian babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Fewer than 20 per cent of infants born with the disease 60 years ago would survive and now more than 90 per cent survive.
Today's children with heart defects can expect to live longer, healthier lives due to improved care.
Cardiovascular disease still accounts for 27 per cent of all deaths in Canada every year - that's 66,000 deaths, despite all the medical advancements.
Heart disease and stroke are the second leading killer of all Canadians and a leading cause of disability. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is celebrating Heart Month.
