Photo gallery - Texas girl gets heart transplant, sister waits

Smith sisters keep hearts in check

The Smith Sisters, Shayde, 9, and Emily, 7, play during a clinic visit shortly after being listed for a transplant in April 2008.

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Physicians at Children's provide specialized cardiac care

Dr. Aliessa Barnes, pediatric cardiologist at Children's and assistant professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern, listens to Emily's heartbeat.

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Family surrounds Emily moments before transplant

On Jan. 19, Mandy Smith, the girls' grandmother, and Shayde arrive at the hospital just in time to join Natalie Van Noy, their mom, before surgery.

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Heart necklaces are worn for good luck

Shayde Smith, Dr. Kristine Guleserian, surgical director of Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation at Children's, and Natalie Van Noy hold their heart necklaces.

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A miracle in the making

Dr. Kristine Guleserian, left, gets ready to implant a new heart in Emily's chest.

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Gift of life arrives

Dr. Damon Kennedy, fellow in Cardiothoracic Surgery, heads to the Operating Room with a chest containing Emily's new heart.

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Nurse delivers good news during surgery

Susan Daneman, RN, heart transplant coordinator at Children's, talks with Emily's dad, Matt Smith, as she updates the family during Emily's surgery.

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A sweet success

Dr. Kristine Guleserian checks on Emily moments after the transplant was finished. The bear and blanket at the end of the bed are Emily's favorites.

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Speedy recovery

Only three days after her transplant, Emily walks down the hall with Janice Wallace, her grandmother.

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Taking in the sunshine

Emily looks out the window on the Cardiology floor as Janice Wallace, Emily's grandmother, left, and Natalie Van Noy, Emily's mom, hold her hands.

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Emily packs up and heads home

Emily hugs her mom before going home on Jan. 28, nine days after undergoing a heart transplant. She can't wait to play with Shayde and her beagle.

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Capturing the moment

Natalie Van Noy snaps a picture with Emily's camera. Emily is making a scrapbook of her journey.

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Future plans

With their wagon packed, Emily and her mom make plans for their first dinner at home after her transplant.

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Together again

Shayde and Emily play with their miniature beagle. Emily visits Children's for follow-up appointments while Shayde waits for a new heart.

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A girl's best friend

Emily plays with Charlie outside of her home in Newark, Texas.

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All smiles

On June 17, 2009, Shayde and Emily can't wait to cool off in the swimming pool.

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