KMOV: Teen Takes First Swim of Summer After Heart Transplant

Gavin's heart condition kept him out of the pool this summer. This Labor Day, family and friends celebrated his new heart with a pool party.

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15-year-old Gavin has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe, progressive genetic disorder characterized by muscle degeneration. DMD can affect the heart, and last fall, Gavin’s heart began to fail.

His team at St. Louis Children's Hospital inserted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), also known as a mechanical assist device, to support his heart. The outpatient LVAD allowed Gavin to be at home rather than in the hospital. He started walking more and getting stronger. Supported by the LVAD, Gavin was even able to fly on a family vacation.

But he couldn’t swim with the LVAD. One of his favorite activities, being unable to swim was a challenge.

Then, on July 4th, Gavin underwent a heart transplant and got a second chance at life. And then this Labor Day—another chance to get back in the pool.

KMOV talked with Gavin's family and Mary Mehegan, VAD program coordinator at St. Louis Children's Hospital, about Gavin's journey.