Oklahoma girl first to undergo first-of-its-kind heart surgery
News September 22, 2025

Oklahoma girl first to undergo first-of-its-kind heart surgery

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A metro girl is the first to have a groundbreaking heart surgery. That girl's story started way before this surgery though. News 4 first introduced you to Marlee back in 2017. Marlee was abandoned at the hospital and was born with a life-threatening heart condition. Jolene Baxter was asked to love [...]

**Oklahoma City Girl Makes History as First to Receive Innovative Heart Surgery**

An Oklahoma City girl is making medical history as the first patient to undergo a groundbreaking heart surgery. The young girl, known as Marlee, has captured the hearts of many since her story first came to light several years ago.

News 4 first introduced viewers to Marlee back in 2017. Her journey began under difficult circumstances. Abandoned at the hospital shortly after birth, Marlee was diagnosed with a severe, life-threatening heart condition. The details of this condition were not disclosed in the report, but it was serious enough to warrant immediate and specialized medical attention.

Enter Jolene Baxter, who was asked to provide Marlee with care and love. The specific nature of this request, whether it involved fostering or adoption, was not explicitly stated. Baxter's role in Marlee's life has been significant, providing a stable and loving environment for the young girl as she battled her health challenges.

Now, years later, Marlee's journey has reached another remarkable milestone. The innovative heart surgery she received represents a significant advancement in the treatment of her condition. While the specific details of the surgical procedure remain undisclosed, its groundbreaking nature suggests a novel approach to addressing Marlee's complex cardiac issues.

The surgery's success marks a victory for Marlee, her medical team, and the entire Oklahoma City community. It provides hope for other children facing similar heart conditions. The long-term implications of this pioneering surgery are still being evaluated, but its initial success offers a promising outlook for Marlee's future and potentially paves the way for improved treatment options for others. The girl who started life facing immense challenges is now a beacon of hope, demonstrating resilience and benefiting from cutting-edge medical innovation. Further updates on Marlee's progress and the specifics of the groundbreaking surgery are anticipated as they become available.
Category: Politics