Corbin, Kentucky — In a bittersweet reunion, Denise and Johnny Bargo, parents from Corbin, Kentucky, met the toddler who received the heart of their late daughter, Lena Skye Bargo.
Lena, born prematurely at 28 weeks battled hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. Despite initial grim predictions, she spent 2½ months in the hospital and was fitted with a shunt to manage the fluid. Her parents, Denise and Johnny, provided relentless care, attending to Lena’s medical needs, including physical therapy and the installation of a back brace.
Tragedy struck when Lena fell seriously ill, and subsequent medical evaluations revealed a shunt rupture. Rushed to the University of Kentucky Hospital , surgeons discovered a catastrophic rupture caused by an unexpected obstacle resembling a tree root.
doctors delivered the heart-wrenching news to Denise that Lena would not awaken. Simultaneously, Denise experienced chest pains, leading to her diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. Remarkably, Denise credits her daughter with saving her life.
Despite the profound grief of losing Lena, the Bargo family found solace in honoring her wish to become an organ donor. Lena’s kidneys went to a 44-year-old man, her liver to an 8-month-old baby girl, and her heart to Mark Clouse Jr., who was 15 months old at the time.
The emotional meeting between the Bargos and Mark Clouse Jr. took place at the Clouse home in Tennessee. Denise expressed her gratitude, stating, “I got to hold him, and I got to listen to baby Lena’s little heart.” The families have met three times, and Mark’s mother affectionately refers to the Bargos as his godparents, solidifying a deep, lasting connection.
Reflecting on Lena’s legacy, Denise remarked, “We’re all one big family now.” The poignant reunion was made possible by the shared experience of organ donation, transforming grief into a bond that transcends loss.
Denise also emphasized the significance of Lena’s organ donation, highlighting an honor walk at the University of Kentucky’s hospital, where Lena’s name now graces the donor wall. Lena’s selfless act extended beyond Mark Clouse Jr., ultimately saving four lives, including Denise’s.
As the Bargos continue to cope with their profound loss, they advocate for increased awareness about shunts and their potential complications. Lena’s father, Johnny, stressed the importance of educating parents about the symptoms associated with shunt-related illnesses.
While grappling with the heartache of losing their beloved Lena, the Bargo family cherishes her memory through a wooden urn displaying her name and photo. Denise, tearfully expressing their enduring love for Lena, finds solace in knowing that a part of her lives on in the “miracle” of baby Mark.
