"Mighty Girl" preemie gets ground-breaking heart surgery
Alexandra Mae Van Kirk was born July 7, 2014, eight weeks premature, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She weighed just 2 pounds, 3 ounces, and had a heart condition called critical pulmonary stenosis that would require surgery. Doctors at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital had never done the procedure on a baby so small.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Alexandra Mae Van Kirk in the hospital wearing eye shades for protection. She underwent surgery on July 23, 2014, when doctors used a balloon catheter procedure to fix the artery in her heart.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Her parents dubbed Alexandra "Mighty Girl."
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Alexandra is recovering and growing. Doctors say her heart should be fine.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Alexandra Van Kirk at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Matthew Van Kirk helps his daughter, Josephine, touch her younger sister, Alexandra Mae, at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Heidi Van Kirk kisses her daughter, Alexandra, Aug. 4, 2014. Now one month old, Alexandra weighs nearly three pounds.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Matthew and Heidi Van Kirk and big sister Josephine visit Alexandra in the hospital, Aug. 4, 2014.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Matthew and Heidi Van Kirk look down at their daughter, Alexandra, Aug. 4, 2014.
Alexandra Van Kirk's heart surgery
Alexandra Van Kirk grips a visitor's finger at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.