Jestina’s Miracle: How Love, Quick Action, and Expert Care Saved an 11-Year-Old’s Life

For 11-year-old Jestina, an ordinary February afternoon with her grandmother was filled with laughter and joy—until the unimaginable happened. Jestina collapsed. Her heart had stopped beating. In that terrifying moment, her aunt’s instincts kicked in. She immediately began CPR, and a home nurse, who was caring for another family member, quickly joined in. Meanwhile, Jestina’s grandmother called for help, refusing to give up on her precious grandchild.

Fighting for Her Life, A Community of Heroes Steps In

Within minutes, Hollywood Police and Fire Rescue arrived and took over, working tirelessly for 20 minutes to keep Jestina alive. But her battle was far from over. When they reached Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the emergency department (ED) team and the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) moved swiftly. Recognizing the severity of Jestina’s condition, they placed her on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a lifesaving machine that assumed the work of her heart and lungs, giving her body the chance to heal.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Jestina was diagnosed with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), a rare but serious heart condition that causes dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and could have been fatal without the quick actions of her family, first responders and medical team. Her care was led by pediatric cardiac surgeon John Dentel, MD, and pediatric critical care physician Carlos Silva, MD, who collaborated with the CVICU team to provide her with the best possible treatment.

A Journey of Resilience and Strength

Jestina’s road to recovery was not easy. She spent weeks under the watchful eyes of the dedicated CVICU team, who closely monitored her progress and ensured that her heart regained its strength. Thanks to the unwavering support of her family and the expertise of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital medical team, Jestina defied the odds.

A New Beginning

Today, Jestina is thriving. She has been discharged and is back to doing the things she loves—smiling, laughing, and enjoying life like any 11-year-old should. Now equipped with a life-saving defibrillator, she is protected from future episodes. Her story is a testament to the power of quick action, expert medical care, and the resilience of a young heart.

A Lifesaving Partnership

Jestina’s story is a powerful reminder that bystander CPR can mean the difference between life and death, giving patients like her a fighting chance before medical professionals arrive. Her journey highlights the seamless collaboration between her family, first responders and the exceptional team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.