Imagine this – little Miloš, a 10-year-old boy, is one of only four people in the world living with just half a heart! Yes, you read that right – half a heart! His right heart ventricle never developed, and he has already survived four open-heart surgeries. While other kids play soccer, Miloš fights for every beat of his unique heart. His mother, Jelena Grbić from Pećinci, never imagined the journey they would face when her son was born completely blue and rushed to Tiršova hospital. Serbian cardiac surgeons immediately sprang into action to save his life. Now, Miloš is a cheerful child, the darling of the Rehabilitation Institute in Niška Banja, where he recovers and plays basketball in the rehab room, while other patients listen in awe to the bouncing ball.
His path was anything but easy – his first surgery was at just one month old, followed by several more, each with the risk that he might not survive. But Miloš beat the odds! Thanks to doctors like Dr. Milan Lazarević and Dr. Vladimir Ilić, who explain that Miloš had a univentricular heart defect – a heart with only one functional ventricle – the final Fontan operation was successfully performed, connecting the blood flow from the lower body directly to the lungs, bypassing the undeveloped right ventricle.
Though surgeries don’t mean a complete cure, Miloš now has a real chance to live a quality, functional life. He goes to school, dances folklore, and enjoys swimming therapy. His family, school, doctors, and faith have been his greatest support in this ten-year battle. His story proves that even when life gives you only half a heart, you can be a whole hero. So, who else can say half a heart is enough for a whole adventure? If this story didn’t touch you, maybe you need a new pulse! Share your thoughts, maybe you know a little hero with a big heart too!
