NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A Middle Tennessee boy whose story of survival and perseverance has inspired thousands on Facebook after he was born with a rare heart condition is celebrating his first birthday.
The community followed baby Andrew Hagewood's progress as he struggled to get a new heart, and Wednesday marks 365 days in his fight for life.
"This time last year, we received the news that no parent wants to hear - that your child will probably not make it through the day," said father Keith Hagewood.
In the last year, Andrew has only spent 11 days outside Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, but his family said this is a day to celebrate.
"He went from a child who could not sustain life on his own and had to be supported by machines to, now, the only thing supporting him is a little bit of oxygen," Keith Hagewood said.
At first, Andrew was in desperate need of a new heart. Then, something magical happened as his story went viral on Facebook and thousands pledged their support and prayers.
"Over and over and over again, the comments we receive are, 'We're praying for you.' God has been so merciful to all of those prayers, and we're so thankful for all of them," said mother Christy Hagewood.
The family's only hope is that one year from now, they'll be able to celebrate at home.
"We're thankful to have him here today - whether it's here or whether it's at home, we're going to celebrate," Christy Hagewood said.
The Hagewood family is also quick to point out its appreciation to the organ donor's family, who wanted something good to come from their loved one's death.
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