When Raquel Curl looks into the bright eyes of her one-year-old daughter, Rielle, her heart overflows with gratitude, wonder, and awe. Every smile, every tiny movement feels like a miracle. From the very beginning, Rielle proved she was a fighter—a child whose strength would far exceed her size and whose courage would inspire everyone who crossed her path.

Born with a rare and severe congenital heart defect, Rielle’s journey began long before she ever took her first breath. Diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), she entered the world already facing a battle few could imagine. And yet, against overwhelming odds, Rielle continues to defy expectations, rewriting what survival looks like for children born with complex heart conditions.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Raquel’s pregnancy unfolded during an already uncertain time—the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At 38 years old, her pregnancy was considered high-risk, and she was referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for close monitoring. Like many expectant parents, Raquel looked forward to the 20-week ultrasound with excitement and nervous anticipation.

That moment, however, would change her life forever.

“You’re having a girl,” the doctor said, smiling gently. Then the tone shifted. “But we have a bigger concern.”

Further testing revealed the devastating possibility of HLHS, later confirmed by a fetal cardiologist. Raquel learned that her baby’s left ventricle—the part of the heart responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body—was critically underdeveloped. Without immediate medical intervention, survival would be impossible.

Facing the Unthinkable With Courage

The diagnosis was crushing. HLHS meant Rielle would need multiple open-heart surgeries within the first years of her life—starting just days after birth. The emotional weight of imagining her newborn enduring such pain was almost unbearable.

Telling her older children was one of Raquel’s hardest moments. They were excited to welcome a new sibling, unaware of the medical challenges ahead. Yet, their love and hope became a source of strength, grounding Raquel during moments when fear threatened to overwhelm her.

Despite the uncertainty, Raquel resolved to fight—alongside her daughter—every step of the way.

A Birth Marked by Crisis and Courage

On September 13, 2020, Rielle was born via cesarean section, weighing 6 pounds and 12 ounces. At the same time, Raquel herself was recovering from a terrifying medical emergency: a blood clot that had traveled to her lung, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Still weak and hospitalized, Raquel was able to hold Rielle briefly, capturing precious photos of their first moments together. Shortly after, Rielle was airlifted to the Heart Center at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where a team of specialists stood ready to fight for her life.

The First Major Battle: The Norwood Procedure

Once admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), Rielle came under the care of Dr. Timothy Pettitt and a dedicated medical team. At just seven days old, she underwent the Norwood procedure—an 18-hour open-heart surgery considered one of the most complex procedures in pediatric cardiology.

The surgery reconstructed Rielle’s tiny aorta, redirecting blood flow from her right ventricle to supply her body. A temporary shunt was placed to allow blood to reach her lungs. The operation pushed Rielle’s fragile body to its limits, but she endured with extraordinary resilience.

Raquel, still recovering herself, stayed by her daughter’s side, watching her tiny chest rise and fall, praying through every moment of uncertainty.

Months of Recovery and Relentless Strength

Rielle spent the next two months in the CICU, her recovery slow and demanding. Her body was fragile, but her determination was unmistakable. Nurses and doctors marveled at her progress, often calling her a “little warrior.”

Despite moments of setback and fear, Rielle continued to grow stronger. Her heart function gradually improved, offering glimpses of hope. But HLHS is not a one-time battle—it is a lifelong journey.

Another Surgery, Another Test of Faith

At seven months old, Rielle underwent her second major operation: the Glenn procedure. This surgery rerouted blood from the upper body directly to her lungs, reducing strain on her heart.

Once again, Rielle faced the challenge with remarkable strength. Though recovery was difficult, she proved time and again that her spirit was stronger than her diagnosis.

When the Fight Became Even Harder

As Rielle approached her first birthday, new complications emerged. A heart valve that had once leaked slightly began to worsen, causing swelling in her face and enlargement of her heart. Tests revealed that her heart was under severe strain, and she was rushed back to Children’s Hospital for urgent care.

Doctors determined emergency surgery was necessary. What was expected to be an eight-hour procedure stretched into a grueling 27-hour operation. Rielle was placed on bypass twice. At times, her survival was uncertain.

Her family and medical team waited, hearts heavy, hoping for a miracle.

Defying the Odds Once Again

Against all expectations, Rielle pulled through. Her tiny heart continued to beat, steady and determined. Though she came dangerously close to not surviving, her resilience carried her forward once more.

The surgery marked one of the most critical moments of her life—and one of her greatest triumphs.

A Thriving Child and a Living Miracle

Today, Rielle is a healthy, thriving one-year-old. She laughs, explores, and grows stronger with each passing day. Her journey has been filled with pain, uncertainty, and unimaginable challenges—but also with faith, love, and extraordinary perseverance.

Rielle’s story is not just about surviving HLHS. It is about the power of modern medicine, the strength of parental love, and the unbreakable will of a child who refused to give up.

A Beacon of Hope for Other Families

For families facing similar diagnoses, Rielle’s journey offers hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, resilience can shine through. Her story encourages awareness, early intervention, and support for children living with congenital heart disease.

Rielle is more than a survivor. She is a symbol of courage. A reminder that miracles still happen. And proof that even the smallest hearts can carry the greatest strength.