One Miracle Story...
Jori Taylor Hall
Jori with Jake & Katie
On Aug. 12, 1991, one day after Jori Taylor Hall, aka Bird, was born in Valdosta, her breathing became irregular. Three days later she arrived at Shands Children’s Hospital at the University of Florida, and UF physicians diagnosed her with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and an associated malady. Jori’s parents chose for their daughter to undergo an experimental procedure called Fontan. Following the procedure, Jori suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for three-and-a-half months.
Eventually, Jori did recover and came to Shands Children’s Hospital for check ups every three months. At age 5, Jay Fricker, UF College of Medicine cardiologist, became her primary physician.
In August 2006, Jori began high school at Lowndes High in Valdosta, Ga., but a few days after her 15th birthday she fell ill again. She suffered a number of setbacks due to her heart condition from then until August 2008. Eleven days after her 17th birthday, and after a 4-month stay in the PICU at Shands, she received the greatest birthday gift of all, a new heart. Since her transplant, Jori, 18, is doing well and has returned to Valdosta with her family and two dogs.
Eventually, Jori did recover and came to Shands Children’s Hospital for check ups every three months. At age 5, Jay Fricker, UF College of Medicine cardiologist, became her primary physician.
In August 2006, Jori began high school at Lowndes High in Valdosta, Ga., but a few days after her 15th birthday she fell ill again. She suffered a number of setbacks due to her heart condition from then until August 2008. Eleven days after her 17th birthday, and after a 4-month stay in the PICU at Shands, she received the greatest birthday gift of all, a new heart. Since her transplant, Jori, 18, is doing well and has returned to Valdosta with her family and two dogs.
