7-year-old in hospital fighting for her life after second heart failure

CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) - A 7-year-old is in a hospital in Ohio fighting for her life after experiencing her second heart failure.

Nyla Pritchett has been at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since Sept. 2.

Her family says the situation is worse now than it was last year when she was first at the hospital.

At this point, Nyla’s current condition is so severe that she’s not eligible for a new heart.

Nyla Pritchett was born with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare disorder that impacts... — Nyla Pritchett was born with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare disorder that impacts about 1 in 100,000 live births, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.(WXIX)

“When the doctors talk about her, they talk about her being in critical condition, but she’s such a fighter and she’s holding strong and getting through it,” said Jamie Pritchett, Nyla’s mom.

At just 7 years old, Nyla has had six open heart surgeries, one heart transplant and several heart catheterizations.

“She’s just gone through so much,” Pritchett said.

Nyla was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare disorder that impacts about 1 in 100,000 live births, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

“It’s so scary, like it’s so hard to watch her go through this,” Pritchett said.

In 2022, Nyla suffered her first heart failure and was put on the heart transplant list. In 2023, she got one.

“When she got her first heart transplant, it made everything feel better,” Pritchett said. “I knew she was OK.”

Nyla went back to school and quickly began enjoying life again.

That was until last month in August, when Nyla was rushed to the hospital after suffering her second heart failure.

“This time, she’s just had so many bumps,” Pritchett said. “Things just keep going wrong.”

Nyla is currently sedated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Pritchett said her kidneys are failing, and she is only tolerating small feeds so far.

The family is not giving up, though.

“They have her on a type of dialysis that should help with her kidneys eventually, and she’s on another machine that helps blood flow maybe get to her kidneys,” Pritchett said.

As Nyla continues her fight to live, Pritchett said she will hold onto hope.

“She’s holding strong and doing her part, so we’re all sure that she will get through this,” Pritchett said.

To help Nyla’s family cover medical expenses, there is a benefit ride happening on Saturday at Brookies in Ripley, Ohio. All are welcome to attend.

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