Seriously ill 11-year-old visited in hospital by Drake receives heart transplant
A seriously ill youngster who was visited in hospital by Drake has received a heart transplant.
Sofia Sanchez, 11, posted a video asking the Canadian rapper to help her celebrate her birthday earlier this month.
Drake was later filmed at her bedside in Chicago and it was then revealed Sofia, who was diagnosed with the condition cardiomyopathy, would receive a new heart.
An update posted to the youngster’s GoFundMe page on Monday confirmed the surgery had been a success.
The update said: "Sofia is out of surgery! Surgery went well. She received a really good, strong heart. They will keep her asleep for the remainder of the night. Thank you for your prayers."
Sofia stayed at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago where her surgery took place.
A cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Carl Backer, performed the surgery.
Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times, the doctor said: "The surgery went extremely well.
"As with all heart transplants, the next 24-48 hours will be critical, but the heart seemed happy in its new home."
A video showing the moment God’s Plan rapper Drake arrived at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago last week went viral.
Drake sneaked into the ward to cries of "Oh my god" from the delighted young girl.
Drake calmly responded: "You asked me to come, I’m here. What’s up?"
The pair shared a hug and selfies as they celebrated in the hospital ward and Sofia had been filmed singing along to the rapper’s single In My Feelings.
The news she would receive a transplant was revealed on her Instagram page.
After her mother told her the news, Sofia hugged her and said: "I’m getting a heart mom! Oh my God!"