Carly

Born with a congenital heart defect, Carly has already braved three open-heart surgeries, seven heart cath procedures, and over 100 blood transfusions—all before her 2nd birthday. Her biggest milestone? Receiving the gift of life through a heart transplant. However, this precious little girl’s challenges continue, and she has become paralyzed from the waist down and was recently diagnosed with medically induced cerebral palsy. We are so proud of this brave girl, as nothing can dim her incredibly bright spirit. Carly faces each day with courage and, as you can see, a gorgeous, contagious smile. When she’s not busy with doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, her favorite thing to do is play at the playground near her house, helping her grow big and strong. She especially loves to swing and spends as much time as she can feeling the wind in her face as she moves back and forth. On Carly’s behalf, her parents wished to have an adaptive outdoor swing set so she can enjoy the benefits of having playtime at the park, right in her own backyard. Carly’s wish came true and now she’s soaring with joy, at home, right where she belongs. Special thanks to the Noisy Coin Collectors from Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, along with many other wish contributors memorializing Ian’s Legacy, for their generous donations towards Carly’s special wish!