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Zion's Story

Zion was born with a heart that couldn't do its job. Zion's life was in jeopardy and he needed a new heart. The wait for a matching heart was long and scary, but when it became available, June 3 became Zion's heart's new birthday.

To further complicate an already complex procedure, Zion also has sickle cell disease – a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to form into sickle shapes that block blood vessels all over the body.

Zion's parents, Demetria and Nathaniel, were scared. While they had complete confidence in the doctors, nurses and everyone who had a hand in Zion's care, it was the first time cardiac surgeons here would perform a heart transplant for a child with sickle cell disease.

Zion's cardiac surgery team coordinated with his sickle cell care team to make sure he would be safe and the surgery would be a success. He was given blood transfusions before the surgery could start and monitored closely before, during and after the procedure.

The surgery was successful and without complications. Today, Zion is 13 years old, getting ready to start high school and enjoying the same activities teenagers without major health concerns do. His family credits his health to the world-class experts at Cincinnati Children's who are always striving to provide the best care possible for all patients.

And it's because of our community that Cincinnati Children's is able to attract and retain the talent needed to research and care for kids with complex health problems, like Zion.

For the past 10 years, people across Cincinnati and around the country have helped children with complex diagnoses receive the best care possible through their participation in and donations to Cincinnati Walks for Kids.

You can help kids like Zion grow and thrive. Register for or donate to Cincinnati Walks for Kids.