Video: Baby waiting for new heart

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SEATTLE - There are eight children at Seattle's children's Hospital waiting for heart transplants, the highest number the hospital has ever had.

One of the children is 5-week-old Mia McDonald. She's among those at the top of the list.

An ultrasound when Mimi McDonald was six months pregnant showed baby Mia had a dysfunctional aeortic valve, a similar heart defect that affected Mimi and resulted in her receiving a donor valve several years ago.

"Although I knew it would mean a tragedy for another family, my hope was in that tragedy, hopefully they would make the decision to continue life, and hopefully continue life for my daughter," Mimi McDonald said.

Mimi's sister has stepped in to help with the older kids so Mimi can stay with Mia 24-7.

And Mimi wears a pager in case she's in another part of the hospital when that crucial call comes.

Baby Mia's little heart is expected to sustain her for at least the next few months.

The average wait for a new heart is six to eight weeks. The McDonalds, along with seven other families in Seattle, are hoping they don't have to wait nearly that long.

Adults can register their children as donors. And as soon as they turn 16, they can become a donor on their own. For more information, visit donatelifetoday.com.