Watch CBS News

Brotherly Love: Transplant Patient, 8, Gets Help & Heart

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A little girl who needed a new heart has a whole community by her side. The Basta family of Downingtown is spending a lot of time in a hospital at the bedside of 8-year-old daughter Josie waiting for the day she can come home.

The Josie Basta her family remembers is an active girl with big glasses and an even bigger heart.

Last October, Josie got sick. Her mother Marge said, "Something with my mommy intuition told me, 'This is more than a G.I. bug.'"

Josie turned out to be much sicker than anyone thought. Her heart had been damaged by an undiscovered infection and was failing.

"We heard the dreaded T, transplant, word," said Joe Basta, Josie's father. "That's when we lost it I think collectively."

Ever since then, Josie's dancing has been confined to Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. She was attached to a machine to assist her heart while waiting for a transplant.

While her parents waited, family and friends dove in to help, selling bracelets that say "Believe for Josie" and organizing fundraisers for her future medical costs.

"I would just mention anything I needed and it would be there on my door, in my mailbox," said Marge.

Then, the same weekend of a golf outing for Josie, the Bastas got call they were waiting for.

"September ninth was the beautiful day that Josie received her heart!" said Marge.

Our cameras couldn't go into her hospital room, but her family sent a photo of Josie's first picture after the transplant.

"Each day she gets a little sassier, so that's a good sign!" laughed Marge.

"She has her humor back, so we know our Josie is coming back," said Joe.

They hope soon Josie will be dancing at home again.

Friends and family have raised $68,000 with a goal of $150,000. A 5K Run/Walk is being held for Josie on Saturday, October 22 in Exton. For more information, go to her website, www.COTAforJosieB.com.

Reported By: Dave Huddleston

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.