Local baby receives lifesaving double lung transplant

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Annabelle, a local baby, is recovering after finally receiving a lifesaving double-lung transplant.

We first reported in June when the newborn was in desperate need of help as she has been fighting a rare disease since birth. She had been waiting for the transplant for almost three months.

Many days, her family thought she would not make it.

Action News Jax reporter Amber Krycka spoke to Annabelle's mother who is overwhelmed with joy.

"There's no words, because my heart just goes to pieces for them. Because we were facing that as well, you know. And, thankfully, they have given us back that gift of life and we are forever grateful. And I don't know who they are, but I don't even have words to express how grateful we are to them for what they have done,"  Christen Williams said.

The family in St. Augustine received the call they were praying for on Sunday and the procedure was successful. It will take at least three months for Annabelle to return home.

Cox Media Group