ROCHESTER, Minn. — A new heart isn't exactly the gift Carter Anderson asked for on his 16th birthday, but it's the gift he and his loved ones are now celebrating at Mayo Clinic's St. Marys Hospital.
A routine checkup in 2021 led to the discovery of Carter's genetic heart condition, a rare form of cardiomyopathy. An active teenager and dedicated baseball player, Carter's passions became a danger to his health.
In May of 2022, he underwent surgery to receive an implantable device that would track his heart rate. Carter went into shock multiple times, and his family knew he needed a new heart.
Carter received his heart on Nov. 20, just two days after his 16th birthday.
Now his mom is looking forward to thanking the family who gave her son the gift of life.