A Special Doll for a Special Girl

At just 5 years old, Mical Olaiz of Durham, North Carolina, has already undergone three major surgeries — and she has the scars to show for it.

Olaiz was born with Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital defect in which the left side of the infant’s heart does not develop properly. The little girl has endured three open-heart surgeries since her birth, leaving her with a large, vertical scar down the center of her chest.

Now, thanks to her surgeon, Dr. Andrew Lodge, and the medical staff at Duke Children’s, the little girl’s beloved American Girl doll Mia, has matching scars.

Read more about this special operation and this special little girl!