Adaline Deal, a 12-year-old from Indiana, is facing a heartbreaking medical crisis. Born with a rare heart defect, she now requires a life-saving transplant.

However, her family claims she has been denied placement on the transplant list at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio—where she has been treated for nearly a decade—due to her unvaccinated status.

This decision has ignited a heated debate, as her parents firmly oppose vaccines for religious reasons.

A Rare Heart Condition and Its Risks

Adaline was diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly, a rare congenital heart defect that affects fewer than 50,000 people in the U.S.

This condition causes one of her heart valves to leak, making it difficult for her heart to function properly.

Additionally, she has Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, a disorder that can make her heart race up to 250 beats per minute—far beyond the normal range of 60 to 100 beats per minute for an adult.

These combined conditions put her at an extremely high risk of cardiac arrest, making a transplant her only hope for survival.

The Hospital’s Vaccination Policy

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital reportedly refused to place Adaline on the transplant list because she has not received standard vaccinations, including those for COVID-19 and the flu.

Hospitals typically require transplant patients to be vaccinated against preventable diseases because the immunosuppressive drugs they must take post-transplant leave them vulnerable to infections.

While vaccination is strongly recommended, it is not federally mandated, and policies can vary by transplant center.

A Mother’s Struggle and Faith

Adaline’s mother, Jeneen Deal, expressed deep frustration, stating that her daughter’s life should be the priority, not her vaccination status.

“I thought, ‘Wow. So, it’s not about the kid. It’s not about saving her life,'” she told The Enquirer.

Jeneen, who has 12 children—eight of whom are adopted—has vowed to fight for her daughter’s right to receive care without being forced to violate her family’s religious beliefs.

She and her husband, Brayton, are now searching for another transplant center that will accept Adaline without requiring vaccinations.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

In their desperate attempt to find a solution, Adaline’s parents have turned to crowdfunding.

So far, they have raised over $50,000 on GoFundMe to help cover the costs associated with finding alternative medical care.

The fundraiser’s message is simple: “She has grown so much that now her heart can’t sustain her.”

The family remains hopeful that with enough financial and public support, they can secure the transplant Adaline urgently needs.

Legislative Efforts and Public Debate

Adaline’s case has caught the attention of lawmakers.

Ohio Representative Jennifer Gross has introduced legislation aimed at preventing hospitals from denying transplants based on vaccination status.

“I’m proud to be the sponsor of the Ohio bill that seeks to prevent discrimination against religious liberty.

Stay tuned. #PrayForAdaline,” she posted on social media.

Jeneen is also working with Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, hoping that this bill will help other families facing similar struggles.

A Controversial Medical Dilemma

This situation echoes similar cases worldwide.

In 2023, 16-year-old leukemia patient Dazelle Peters was denied a lung transplant in Sydney, Australia, for the same reason.

St Vincent’s Hospital stated that their policies did not support transplantation for unvaccinated individuals, reigniting global debates on medical ethics, patient rights, and public health policies.

What Lies Ahead for Adaline?

The Deal family remains determined to fight for Adaline’s life.

As they continue to seek alternative medical options and push for legislative change, they hope their efforts will not only save their daughter but also prevent other families from facing similar barriers.

The debate over vaccine requirements for transplants is far from over.

But for Jeneen and Brayton, the focus remains on one thing—giving Adaline a chance to live.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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