A 14-year-old Douglas teenager is at Arthur Blank Children’s Hospital in Atlanta after truly receiving the gift of a lifetime – a new heart.
Two days ago, on April 5, 2025, Braylon, who had been on the heart transplant list for two years, underwent the transplant procedure. The journey to the operating room has been a long, difficult, and painful journey. Yet in the midst of Braylon’s illness and the uncertainty he and his family have faced is a message of hope, inspiration, and faith.
When Braylon was six years old, he was diagnosed with complete heart block, a condition that disrupts the electrical signals that control the heartbeat. On November 15, 2017, Braylon had a biventricular pacemaker placed in his chest. This procedure, however, was not the end of Braylon’s journey – it was just the beginning.
This journey has been filled with long trips to Savannah and Atlanta, dozens – if not hundreds – of days of missed work and school, and enough tests and procedures to test the strongest of faith. Through everything, Braylon’s parents, Coffee County sheriff’s deputy Anthony White and Shay Edwards, have remained positive and upbeat. Braylon has kept a positive outlook as well; his faith and hope have inspired his family to remain calm and trust that Braylon would receive the care he needs.
The answer to the countless prayers that have been lifted on Braylon’s behalf came on Saturday. With his life literally hanging in the balance, his family received word that they had a donor. Saturday afternoon, Braylon went into the operating room for a six-hour heart transplant procedure. If successful – and there were no guarantees that it would be – he would emerge with a new opportunity at life. “This life-saving surgery is a turning point in Braylon’s journey and a moment of hope for his entire family. We’re deeply grateful for the donor family’s incredible gift and are passionate about spreading awareness of organ donation and congenital heart disease,” wrote Anthony on his Facebook page.
The surgery was a success and Braylon is recovering well under the watchful eyes of some of the best medical professionals in the world. Monday, he sat up in his bed and watched television for the first time since his procedure. “Braylon is now recovering, growing stronger each day, and looking forward to the brighter, healthier future that now lies ahead. We’re thankful for all the prayers and donations. Please keep them coming,” Anthony continued.
Sunday afternoon, after he was taken off the ventilator, Braylon quietly asked Shay a question. “Where did my heart come from?” His mother asked him why he wanted to know. “Because,” he said, “I just want to thank them.”
A fund has been set up for Braylon White at First National Bank of Coffee County. Donations can be made on Braylon’s behalf there.