Twelve-week old baby thrives after heart transplant

This Valentine's Day, little George Xenarios' family is thankful for the newborn's new heart.

George was born on November 17, following a complicated 33-week pregnancy. His parents, Kostas Xenarios and Helen Chialtas, elected to have an emergency caesarean when an ultrasound revealed fluid surrounding the baby's brain, heart and abdomen.

The newborn had cardiomyopathy, "a weakness of the heart muscle."

"His heart was put together properly, it just didn't work normally," George's cardiologist, Dr. Anne Dipchand, told The Toronto Star. "He had very significant or severe end-stage heart failure."

He would not survive — or ever leave Sick Kids Hospital — without a new heart.

After six weeks or worrying and waiting, a small, healthy heart became available for a transplant.

Seven days later, George was discharged from the hospital and welcomed home by his parents and big sister, Elle, 3.

Dr. Dipchand believes the boy, who is thriving with his new heart, has a good chance "to live a long life."

George's parents have written a letter of deep gratitude to the anonymous famous who donated their dying child's organs to their son.