2-Month-Old Lake Worth Beach Girl Needs Heart Transplant

Community rallies to support Mabel Rose Correal and her family as she awaits a new heart.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Mabel Rose Correal, a 2-month-old girl from Lake Worth Beach, Florida, was born with a rare and often fatal combination of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a diaphragmatic hernia. She has spent her entire life so far in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries, and is now awaiting a heart transplant. Her family and community have organized fundraising efforts to support Mabel Rose's medical care and research into her condition.

Why it matters

Mabel Rose's story highlights the challenges faced by families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. Her case also sheds light on the importance of medical research and community support for families navigating these difficult situations.

The details

Mabel Rose was born on December 13, 2025, and has spent every day of her 8 weeks of life in the hospital. On February 3, she underwent a 7-hour surgery to receive a Berlin heart device, which will manually pump blood through her body as she waits for a heart transplant. Her parents, Hanna and Mateo Correal, have not left the hospital since she was born, and her friends and family have organized a fundraising walk and 5K race on February 7 to raise money for research and support the family.

  • Mabel Rose was born on December 13, 2025.
  • On December 26, Mabel Rose's hernia was repaired.
  • On December 30, a ductal stent was placed and a flow restrictor in the pulmonary artery.
  • On January 8, Mabel Rose's flow restrictor became twisted, requiring additional surgery.
  • On February 3, Mabel Rose underwent a 7-hour surgery to receive a Berlin heart device.

The players

Mabel Rose Correal

A 2-month-old girl from Lake Worth Beach, Florida, who was born with a rare and often fatal combination of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a diaphragmatic hernia.

Hanna Correal

Mabel Rose's mother, who has not left the hospital since her daughter was born.

Mateo Correal

Mabel Rose's father, who has been a 'boulder' for the family during this difficult time.

UF Shands Children's Hospital

The hospital where Mabel Rose is currently receiving treatment and awaiting a heart transplant.

Children's Heart Foundation

The organization sponsoring a congenital heart walk and 5K race at Dreher Park South in West Palm Beach to help raise money for research and support Mabel Rose's family.

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What they’re saying

“We have a very high faith in God. We know that she is going to be OK. We just don't know the path to get there, but this feels like the best chance she'll have.”

— Hanna Correal, Mabel Rose's mother (palmbeachpost.com)

“Trying to make sure we were all on solid ground was my main goal. It was hard, of course, but there is only so much I can do. I needed to be present as well.”

— Mateo Correal, Mabel Rose's father (palmbeachpost.com)

What’s next

Mabel Rose will need to remain closely monitored while she lives on the Berlin Heart and awaits being added to the transplant list. This means months of hospitalization for both her and her parents.

The takeaway

Mabel Rose's story highlights the critical need for organ donations and the importance of community support for families facing life-threatening medical challenges with their children. Her case underscores the vital role of medical research and innovation in saving young lives.