Girl born with heart outside of body continues to defy the odds

A 6-year-old is continued to defy the odds after being born with her heart and intestines outside of her chest and abdomen.

According to the Daily Mail, Virsaviya Borun, a Russian native who recently moved to South Florda with her mother, suffers from multiple birth defects caused by Pentalogy of Cantrell.

It is a rare congenital condition that occurs in an estimated 5.5 in one million live births.

Virsaviya's heart, which is about the size of a fist, can be seen beating against her abdominal area. It is shielded by only a thin layer of skin.

The 6-year-old's intestines are also outside of her body. In addition, she doesn't have abdominal muscles or a diaphragm.

Virsaviya's mother, Dari Borun, spoke to WTVJ saying, "When I was pregnant, the doctor said she will not survive, that she is going to die."

But now, Virsaviya, who goes by the biblical name Bathsheba, enjoys many things other children her age do, like drawing ponies, attending art classes, and dancing to Beyonce's music.

Dari is raising Virsaviya on her own, and in early 2015 she found a doctor at Boston's Children's Hospital who is willing to treat her daughter.

The condition requires surgery depending on the severity of the defects and could be fatal if left untreated.

However, the medical crew has not approved the 6-year-old for surgery because of the high blood pressure in her pulmonary aorta.

In two years, she will be evaluated again to determine if surgery will be a safe option.

Currently, Dari is appealing to the public for financial help to cover her daughter's medical bills and basic living expenses.

According to Daily Mail, Dari says she has very limited means, what with being a single mother of a special-needs child and no other family in the US.

The two have recently moved from Boston to Hollywood, Florida because Virsaviya cannot live in cold conditions.

In the warmer climate of Florida, Dani says Virsaviya's heart feels warm and she doesn't get sick as often as she did before.

Since they came to the United States last year, the 6-year-old has been learning English, although she doesn't currently attend school because of her health.

Along with art, music, and dance, Dari and Virsaviya rely on their faith to get them through the tough times.

"I know why I have heart outside," says the 6-year-old knowingly. "Because Jesus wants to show he can make special things like me."

The family has started a Youcaring page. So far it has raised more than $14,000 of a $20,000 goal.