After spending nearly half her young life in the hospital awaiting a new heart, 8-month-old Christine Anne Kupets couldn't wait any longer.

        She died Thursday shortly before 3 p.m. after suffering complications related to myocardiopathy, a disorder that had ravaged her heart muscle since she was 7 weeks old.

Christine Anne Kupets

        Late Wednesday, the 12-pound infant's kidneys failed, and she suffered seizures, signs that she was no longer a viable candidate for a heart transplant, said Dr. Jeffrey Pearl, director of pediatric heart transplants at Children's Hospital Medical Center, where Christine Anne was hospitalized.

        The Versailles, Ky., infant had been hooked to a machine since Jan. 19 “in order to buy her additional time” while attempts to find a donor continued.

        But when her condition took a downturn, it was decided that she be withdrawn from support, Dr. Pearl said Thursday.

        “Her parents were by her side. They held her and watched as she passed away,” he added.

        Christine Anne's parents, Thom and Connie Kupets, could not be reached Thursday for comment.

        In hopes of educating others about the need for organ donation, they made an impassioned plea in Wednesday's Enquirer.

        “What we pray for is a family to have the strength to make that decision,” said Mrs. Kupets.

        Christine Anne entered Children's in November and was placed on a waiting list for a new heart a month later.

        “She was a beautiful little girl,” Dr. Pearl said.
       

Accomplice says Byrd didn't kill
Man lying in morgue 'not art,' family says
Taft school plan gets short shrift
Family stands by accused mom
Indicted officers' pay to be withheld
'Pimpernel' star inspires
RADEL: Judge's calls for order help maintain court's solemn role
Baby waiting for heart dies
Campbell County grand jury says son abused sick mother
Cops were warned before run-in
Covington, business fight tax
Five win Building Bridges honors
Former minister pleads not guilty
Hamilton won't close fire station
Kenton attorney expected to make switch to GOP today
Kenton Democrats rally
Kits help science learning
Lindner helps Hughes campaign
Lucas sits pretty as Blue Dog
Museum comes to school
Officers escape shotgun scare
Ohio voting systems debated
Trash-flingers targeted
Warren gives more to seniors
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report