Community Welcomes 5-Year-Old Home After Nearly 1,000 Days In The Hospital

October 3, 2025

The streets of Saratoga Springs, Utah, lit up with pink and purple as neighbors cheered for their hometown hero, 5-year-old Sienna Barton.

After nearly three years in the hospital, Sienna finally came home.

@wholeheartedlysienna on Instagram

Sienna’s return was nothing short of miraculous. Born with half a heart, she endured surgeries as a baby and spent more than two years on a mechanical heart while waiting for a transplant. Her family eventually found hope in Texas, where doctors were able to match her with a donor heart in June 2025.

“Our daughter is only alive today because another family chose donation,” said her dad, Fano Barton.

That lifesaving gift meant a long recovery, but on day 975 of their journey, the Bartons finally drove back into their neighborhood—together.

“She was two years old when she went into the hospital and now, she’s five,” Fano said.

For the family, the welcome home celebration was proof of just how much their community has rallied around them. From raising thousands of dollars for medical travel to offering prayers and endless encouragement, Saratoga Springs has been a constant source of strength.

“We knew we had a big village of support, but I didn’t expect it to be so many people,” Sienna’s mom Francesca shared. “So many people have been behind us helping our family.”

And after everything she has faced, Sienna’s new heart is beating strong—just like the hearts of the neighbors who welcomed her home.

“Our hearts are so full,” Francesca said.

Watch the video below: