Drake with Sofia Sanchez Image by Instagram

Warning: this is going to get you in your feelings.

The 11-year-old girl who received a surprise visit from Drake for her birthday during her hospitalization for heart surgery is going to receive an even greater gift: A new heart.

Sofia Sanchez, a cardiomyopathy patient in treatment at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago learned on Sunday that she will be getting a life-saving heart transplant. In this video, posted by Sanchez’s cousin, you can watch the 11-year-old cry as her mom tells her she will be getting a new heart (if that’s what you’re into.)

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Or if that’s all a little too much, here’s Sofia meeting her hero, Drake. “It’s a miracle,” she said.

Mazal tov, Sofia! We wish you a quick recovery, a refuah shlema. In Drake’s words, “Take care.”

Jenny Singer is the deputy lifestyle editor for the Forward. You can reach her at Singer@forward.com or on Twitter @jeanvaljenny

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount