Rockwall 9-year-old gets second chance at life after successful heart transplant

ROCKWALL, Texas - A 9-year-old Rockwall boy born with a severe heart defect now has a new opportunity at life. 

It is thanks to the parents of another child who said yes to organ donation. 

With a new heart, Ridge Petersen now has the opportunity to live a long healthy life. And while his parents do not know the name of the family to thank yet, they hope this story can a start. 

A Second Chance at Life

9-year-old Ridge has a teddy bear that holds a lot of sentimental value.

"His name is Braveheart," he explained. "I've had this since I was 6 months old."

Braveheart should also be Ridge’s middle name. They both have matching scars. 

Ridge was born with a heart defect called hypoplastic right heart syndrome.

"My old heart, I lost energy very fast," he said.

What is Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome?

Dr. Ryan Butts, Ridge's pediatric cardiologist at Children's Health, explained his condition.

"You are born missing the left ventricle, which does most of the pumping," he said.

When Dr. Butts first met Ridge six months ago, he knew he needed a heart transplant. 

"He was losing enough protein that he wasn't growing," he explained.

‘It's a Christmas Miracle'

While the wait for a heart can often take a year, Ridge's family got the call after only two months. 

"Then they told me they have a heart for me, it was a whole roll of emotions," said Ridge.

It was the same for his parents as well. 

"We received the call at 5 a.m. December 27, said Ridge’s father, Tagg Peterson. "They said, ‘We have a heart for Ridge. This is a Christmas miracle.’"

"We felt guilt through the next few days," admitted Katie Petersen, Ridge’s mother. "How are we excited for him and us knowing this other family is saying their final goodbyes."

The timing is a blessing. 

The Petersens are about to welcome a sixth baby boy to their family. 

"Ridge will go home today, sleep in our home twice, and then we go back in the hospital to welcome a new baby boy," said Tagg.

Ridge is now looking forward to doing things other kids may take for granted. 

"I've never been able to beat my brothers in a race," he said. "But now, with this new heart, I'll probably be able to."

Now, Ridge can't wait to add riding roller coasters to his list of hobbies. 

"I haven't been able to go on many big roller coasters with my old heart. It would be very easy for me to pass out," he said. "With this new heart, I'll be able to go on bigger roller coasters."

For Ridge, it's all been a learning opportunity. The education may come in handy one day.

"I either want to be a monster truck driver — that probably won't happen — or a doctor," he said.

Ridge has a full life ahead, all thanks to a special family they hope to one day get to meet. 

"I would say thank you for giving me this heart," he said.

What's next:

The Petersens don't yet know the family who donated Ridge's heart, but they do plan to write the family a letter. And if the family wants to, they hope to arrange a time when they can meet.