Because both of Malia’s lungs aren’t working the way they should, the doctors had to put her back on the breathing tube 😔. She’s also developed pulmonary edema — fluid building up in her lungs — likely caused by changes in pressure and blood flow from her VADs (heart pumps). That fluid is making it even harder for her to breathe, so she needed more support to help her lungs rest and heal. They also had to switch one of her heart pumps to a Centrimag VAD — a much larger machine that sits outside her body and connects directly to her heart ❤️‍🩹. Right now, Malia has two different VADs working together: a Berlin VAD on the left side of her heart, and a Centrimag VAD on the right. One machine for each side, helping her heart do the work it can’t do on its own. This is now the view of her room — filled again with machines, wires, and monitors. And it’s hard… because just a few days ago, I was celebrating her talking again, slowly getting her strength back, and being free of some of the machines. Now, it feels like we’ve taken ten steps backward. After being here for a month, I’ve learned that this process is full of highs and lows. You take five steps forward, only to take two back — but you have to keep going 💪🏾. You have to hold on to hope, even when your heart is heavy. This entire situation is the hardest thing I’ve ever faced 💔. I miss her voice. I miss her eyes when they sparkle. I miss being able to just hold her without all the tubes and lines between us. It’s exhausting — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But even through the heartbreak, I’m still so grateful 🙏🏾. Grateful for her incredible medical team, and for a God who continues to carry me when I feel like I can’t move another inch. I trust His plan, even when it hurts. I’m just a little sad, a little broken, and in need of some extra strength today. Please keep Malia in your prayers. Pray for her lungs, her heart, her full healing — and for me, too. I feel your love and support, and it means the world to us 🤍. https://gofund.me/77f4ad49 #HeartWarrior #HeartTransplantJourney #PediatricHeartFailure #VADStrong #fyp #viral - @maliagetsanewheart