Girl returns to Oakland for heart check-up

OAKLAND, Calif. Nov. 20, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- Eight years ago, a little girl from China came to the Bay Area with a failing heart.

Doctors in China refused to operate, but Children's Hospital Oakland saved her life. And today, Wen Wen Wong returned to Oakland for the first time since 1999.

It's a Chinese rap song, sung by a happy, seemingly healthy 9-year-old girl; a little girl who last visited the Bay Area eight years ago, for a life-saving heart operation.

In the summer of 1999, Wen Wen Wang was less than a year old, and her heart was failing. That's when relatives and an organization called "Hearts for Heartsake" helped bring her to Oakland's Children's Hospital for an operation performed by Dr. Casey Culbertson.

"She was born with a heart defect, with one pumping chamber instead of two. We sort of crimped, if you will, her pulmonary artery so less blood went to her lungs," said Dr. Casey Culberson from Children's Hospital.

Four months later, in December 1999, Wen Wen traveled back to China with her mother Min Wang.

They hadn't returned to the U.S. until now, to visit relatives and to stop in for a check-up at Children's Hospital.

"It's a real joy to have Wen Wen and her family back here. Obviously, last time I saw her she was about this big, and now she's grown to this big, so we're really pleased to see you back again," said Dr. Culberston.

"This time, they have a chance to visit the U.S. as a tourist. At the same time, they're happy to be back to thank all these people at the hospital," said family friend Joyce Chen.

Wen Wen is now in second grade in China. She loves to dance, sing and play -- like most kids.

Although Wen Wen looks and feels great, doctors here at Children's Hospital say they're not certain yet whether she'll need more surgery in the future.

Whatever the future holds, Wen Wen clearly enjoys living in the moment.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•