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Back with a new heart: Waukee student returns after 2 years at Mayo Clinic amid heart failure

Back with a new heart: Waukee student returns after 2 years at Mayo Clinic amid heart failure
COOLER. A HEARTWARMING HOMECOMING TONIGHT FOR A WAUKEE STUDENT WHO SPENT THE LAST TWO YEARS RECEIVING CARE AT MAYO CLINIC IN MINNESOTA. THIS IS THE MOMENT EVA WEIGEL RETURNED TO EASTON ELEMENTARY TO A HALLWAY FULL OF STAFF AND SUPPORTERS. A LOT OF PEOPLE REALLY HAPPY TO SEE HER. IT IS TRADITION AT THE SCHOOL TO DO A CLAP OUT FOR FIFTH GRADERS ON THEIR LAST DAY IN THE BUILDING. EVA IS NOW 13, BUT JUST WEEKS AFTER STARTING FIFTH GRADE AT EASTON ELEMENTARY, SHE HAD TO STOP PHYSICALLY ATTENDING THE SCHOOL. EVA SUFFERED FROM HEART FAILURE AND HAS SPENT NEARLY TWO YEARS AT MAYO CLINIC. SHE NOW HAS A NEW HEART. EVA’S PARENTS SAY SHE STAYED POSITIVE THE ENTIRE WAY THROUGH WITH BIG HELP FROM HER TEACHERS. WE HAD TWO TEACHERS THE NIGHT OF TRANSPLANT AND I DON’T YOU DON’T SEE MANY TEACHERS THAT DO THIS CAME UP AND THEY’RE UP THERE ALL NIGHT. THEY DIDN’T GO BACK TO THE HOTEL. THEY WERE UP THERE 15 HOURS WITH US, STAYED AWAKE. THEY GOT A HOTEL ROOM. THEY DIDN’T DO ANYTHING BUT SHOWER. THE NEXT MORNING. THAT’S HOW IT TELLS YOU HOW SUPPORTIVE THIS LUCKY’S IS. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT OUR TEACHERS? THEY ARE AWESOME. EVA, BY THE WAY, IS EXPECTED TO START SEV
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Updated: 10:28 PM CDT Jul 23, 2025
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Back with a new heart: Waukee student returns after 2 years at Mayo Clinic amid heart failure
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Updated: 10:28 PM CDT Jul 23, 2025
Editorial Standards
Ava Weitl returned to Eason Elementary in Waukee on Wednesday after spending nearly two years at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota due to heart failure, receiving a warm welcome from staff and more.The school celebrated Ava's return with a "clapout," a tradition for fifth graders on their last day in the building. Ava, now 13, had to stop physically attending school just weeks after starting fifth grade due to her medical condition. She now has a new heart and is expected to start seventh grade this school year back in Waukee.Ava's father, Brad Weitl, expressed gratitude for the support from Waukee schools, highlighting the dedication of Ava's teachers during her heart transplant. "We had two teachers the night of the transplant — you don't see many teachers that do this — they came up and they were up there all night. They didn't go back to the hotel, they were up there 15 hours with us," he said. "And that tells you how supportive Waukee schools is."» Subscribe to vlog's YouTube page» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

Ava Weitl returned to Eason Elementary in Waukee on Wednesday after spending nearly two years at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota due to heart failure, receiving a warm welcome from staff and more.

The school celebrated Ava's return with a "clapout," a tradition for fifth graders on their last day in the building.

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Ava, now 13, had to stop physically attending school just weeks after starting fifth grade due to her medical condition. She now has a new heart and is expected to start seventh grade this school year back in Waukee.

Ava's father, Brad Weitl, expressed gratitude for the support from Waukee schools, highlighting the dedication of Ava's teachers during her heart transplant.

"We had two teachers the night of the transplant — you don't see many teachers that do this — they came up and they were up there all night. They didn't go back to the hotel, they were up there 15 hours with us," he said. "And that tells you how supportive Waukee schools is."

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