Blake Parker receives new heart and second chance at life

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was the bottom of the ninth inning for young Blake Parker -- a little boy in need of a heart transplant. Then, came a miraculous rally, and now, Parker is celebrating another chance at life.

In July of 2012, Parker got the ride of his life with his new best buddy, Ryan Braun. 

The Brewers fell in love with Parker -- the courageous young man who was born with half a heart. Parker went through nine open heart surgeries and was on the waiting list for a new heart for 16 months.

Now, Parker's new heart has brought new hope for his family. Parker's father Jeff was the first one to get the good news about a match for his son.

Then came the ordeal of waiting through a 16-hour surgery. Though it seemed like a lifetime, Parker's family was kept up-to-date on how things were going once an hour.

Soon, the family got word that Parker's new heart was beating, and later, news that Parker was off a ventilator.

Sadly, it took the death of another youngster and a family's willingness to donate their child's hear that made it possible for Parker to have this second chance at life.

Parker went home on December 31st, just in time to spend the New Year with his family. 

Parker and his family are thankful to Dr. Stuart Berger and his talented and caring teammates at Children's Hospital for all they've done.

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