Congrats rehab grad, you did it!

By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org

A mask can’t contain the grin spreading across Ja’Karr Ashley’s face.

He is beaming because this is graduation day for Ja’Karr, who was celebrated with pomp and circumstance after becoming the first patient to complete the Riley Children’s Health outpatient cardiac rehab program, following his heart transplant earlier this year.

The 12-year-old came to the Riley Outpatient Center twice a week for several months to work with exercise physiologist Lilly Hess-Vittetow to build up his strength and conditioning before being cleared by the cardiology team to graduate.

This morning, his mom, LaTasha, watched with pride as Hess-Vittetow presented Ja’Karr with a gold medal, a graduation cap, a diploma and other gifts.

“We are so proud of you,” Hess-Vittetow said, as the small group cheered and gave Ja’Karr high-fives. “Our team knows you love sports and playing volleyball, so we got you this volleyball,” she added. “We all signed it and wrote you a little note so you can remember us here.”

The volleyball will be put to good use this weekend, Ja’Karr’s mom said, when the family hosts a “cousins kickback” at their home, featuring volleyball and other games.

Cardiovascular technician Susan Gude wouldn’t have missed today’s celebration for the world.

“It’s so cool. I’ve known this little guy since he was brand-spanking new when they brought him over after he was born,” she said. “He’s been here – in and out – his whole life.”

Ja’Karr was born with serious heart defects and has a long history with Riley. Gude and the team, including cardiologist Dr. John Parent, will continue to see him regularly to monitor his heart function.

Before leaving, Ja’Karr wrapped each person up in a hug, then walked out into the ROC lobby, still wearing his graduation cap, where other team members and visitors cheered for him. The little boy with the big smile is a familiar presence at Riley.

“I don’t know that he’s necessarily excited to be done,” Ja’Karr’s mom said, “but he’s excited that he’s met the milestones. He will miss it for sure.”

Ja’Karr has met his rehab goals, Hess-Vittetow said, and while she’s sad to see him go, she knows he’ll be happy to keep up with his friends.

“I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve done,” she told him. “And you should be proud of you, too.”

Riley is home to Indiana’s only pediatric cardiac rehab program, both inpatient and outpatient. U.S. News & World Report ranks Riley’s pediatric heart program among the best in the nation.

Photos by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org

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Transplant patient’s heart and head are in the game - Twelve-year-old Ja’Karr is the first patient enrolled in Riley’s new outpatient cardiac rehab program.