16-month-old Penelope reached new milestone after major operation

The family of Penelope Greathead has again shared a heart-warming update celebrating her strength and progress in the six weeks since she had her sudden cardiac arrest. 

Penelope, from Ravenscar, North Yorkshire, was born with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, diagnosed when she was just a month old. 

16-month-old Penelope Greathead (Image: Family) However, when having a medication change at Leeds General Hospital, she suffered a sudden and devastating cardiac arrest leaving her on life support and needing a Berlin Heart. 

The Berlin Heart, a mechanical device that supports heart function, was fitted after Penelope’s life-threatening episode left her reliant on ECMO life support, just before Christmas. 

Penelope’s family has spoken of the progress she has made six weeks after  her devastating cardiac arrest. 

Penelope Greathead over a month ago (Image: Family) Her father Jordon, said: “Penelope is making some really positive progress. She’s off the ventilator now and so much more comfortable without it.

“She’s still working through the sedation as it’s being reduced, but we’re seeing small improvements every day.

“One of the most heartwarming things is that she’s starting to recognise her toys again—ones she hasn’t seen since her cardiac arrest in Leeds back in December.

“She’s also smiling more each day, and we’re beginning to see glimpses of her personality coming back, which is such a relief.

“That said, we’re still facing significant challenges. Penelope remains on the heart transplant waiting list, and the uncertainty around when a suitable donor will become available is incredibly hard.

“In the meantime, her Berlin Heart is keeping her stable, but it comes with its own risks, including infection and complications, so it’s always a delicate balance.

“We can only hope that more people consider registering as organ donors in the future. It’s a decision that can save so many lives, and for families like ours, it’s truly life-changing.

“If you’d like to follow Penelope’s journey and support her, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all for your continued love and support—it means the world to us.”

The family credits the medical team at Great Ormond Street Hospital with giving their little girl a fighting chance, and the latest updates confirm she’s making remarkable strides.

“She had her first sip of water in six weeks,” the family shared, adding that Penelope’s doctors are thrilled with her progress.

“The medical team says she’s doing amazingly well and getting stronger every single day.”

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Described as a “little warrior” by her family, Penelope’s resilience continues to inspire those following her journey.

The family are continuing to raise funds to support the charities that have helped them through this time through a GoFundMe page that has now reached over £130,000. 

They are also wanting to bring great awareness to the importance of organ and blood donation and how by signing up to the register you can save a life. 

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24852939.16-month-old-penelope-reached-new-milestone-major-operation/?ref=rss