CORPUS CHRISTI (Kiii News) — While some kids ask for the newest video game or action figure for Christmas, five-year-old Aubrey Stoner wanted her heart to be repaired -- and an 'L.O.L. Surprise!' doll, of course.
Aubrey's wish was granted. On Dec. 14 she will have open-heart surgery.
The Flour Bluff cheerleader was born with Ebstein's Anomaly and other heart defects.
"Three leaflets that are supposed to form a heart valve and they came off a little gnarled up, and so they're not working very efficiently," Aubrey's father Adam Stoner said.
Four years ago, after a scary stay in the hospital, doctors determined Aubrey would eventually need surgery.
"He just said we'll keep watching her. When she gets to be about school age it'll be time," Suzanne Stoner said.
After years of treatments, ultrasounds, medications and consultations, Aubrey Stoner is headed to Minnesota in the beginning of December for surgery.
"It's very scary just to think about your five-year-old, you know, going through open-heart surgery," Suzanne said.
However, there's a catch: Aubrey and her parents will spend Christmas in a hospital, thousands of miles away from Aubrey's older sisters, Ashley and Allison.
"I'm kind of nervous what they're gonna do and make me stay asleep," the spunky five-year-old said.
The vivacious junior Hornet cheerleader doesn't show any signs of heart defects. Her parents said luckily she's been able to live a relatively normal life.
"She's a trooper. You wouldn't know it by looking at her," Adam stated.
Luckily, the Stoners have received an early Christmas miracle -- Aubrey's medical expenses will be covered by a charity voucher. However, the Stoners will have to pay for travel and lodging; so the Flour Bluff community is backing them up.
A GoFundMe has been started for Aubrey and one of her friend's mom hosted a fundraiser to help with expenses and the Stoners' other daughters.
"It's amazing how much love we've been shown for our little girl and you know, some people don't even know her and they're helping it's amazing," Suzanne said.
So the Stoners may be apart for the holidays, but they plan on making up for lost time when they return from Minnesota with an even better reason to celebrate.
"A party!" Aubrey said when asked what she wants after her surgery.
"It's a Christmas blessing, you know, that we are able to have this surgery done for her," Suzanne said.
If you would like to help, click here.
Stay connected with 3News for the latest news, sports, and weather. Download the KIII-TV 3News app now.
Have an idea for a story? Send news tips to news@kiiitv.com, and visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!