Good NewsPeterborough’s Ashley Stinson, 11, goes back to school with new heart
After spending a long summer at Toronto's Ronald McDonald House, Ashley Stinson, 11, returned to school Monday with a brand-new heart.
The Peterborough sixth- grader returned to her parents' home last Thursday and she was greeted by neighbours waving flags. Her enthusiasm to get life back to normal was clear.
"I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends," Ashely told The Peterborough Examiner. "I get up at 7 a.m. for school but that's OK. It's all good. I'm just happy to be back home. I was treated great at Ronald McDonald House and I met a lot of great people there. But there is nothing like being home."
Ashley learned she had congestive heart failure shortly after Christmas. She received a new heart on her birthday, July 31st.
Her father, Paul, says her quick recovery has amazed doctors.
"It has been absolutely amazing to see her up and walking," Paul said less than two weeks after Ashley's life-saving surgery.
While she still has to take care to warm up before running, walking or swimming, and must avoid contact sports for the time being, she's thrilled to be active again, free from a wheelchair and intravenous line.
"I can do it all and feel great," Ashley said. "I'm not out of breath anymore."
