Bella Vista teen drafted to Abbott HeartMates with Damar Hamlin as captain

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)— Before the NFL draft, health care company Abbott Laboratories held its own draft day.

The Abbott HeartMates draft day recognized 11 people from across the United States who made a comeback from serious cardiovascular conditions. Those 11 HeartMates will serve communities by providing support and education for those impacted by cardio conditions.

Those picked for the draft went to New York on April 19. One of those selected to join the team was Mackenzie Maddry. The Bella Vista teen was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2020. After 21 cycles of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, her cancer went into remission. However, the intense treatment also led to heart failure.

“I was sent to Little Rock Children’s and that’s where I was started with heart medicine, and then we decided that wasn’t going to last. It wouldn’t get me to my 17th birthday which is when I would be eligible for a heart transplant,” said Maddry.

Her doctor suggested using a left ventricle assist device. A device to help Maddry’s weak heart pump blood. The LVAD is keeping her alive until she can receive a heart transplant. The LVAD is powered by two batteries. The battery life lasts about 17 hours before having to be recharged.

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Now, Maddry is a part of the Abbott HeartMates and she met the captain of the team, Damar Hamblin.

“This is the jersey. It has a number one on it because Damara said we are all his number one picks in the draft,” said Maddry.

Damar Hamlin is an NFL player for the Buffalo Bills. In 2023, he went into cardiac arrest after tackling a player during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was hospitalized in critical condition. After nine days, he was released from the hospital. Now he is in charge of the Abbott HeartMates.

“When I was drafted to the NFL, I said that it didn’t matter what role I played, I just wanted to play my role on the team to be able to win. And, I’m doing the same thing here with Abbott,” said Hamlin.

Tedy Bruschi, a former pro football player was also at the draft to tell his story.

“Back in 2005, I had a stroke. It was right after our third championship that we won in New England. It was right after my first Pro Bowl, so I was on top of the world,” said Bruschi.

Maddry says schools being prepared for a possible cardiac emergency is vital.

“So many kids in sports nowadays, and they could have a problem like Damar and have an arrest on the field. And if you have a system in place, it could save a life,” said Maddry.

Hamlin says the Abbott HeartMates will help to ensure those who face health challenges, so they don’t have to face it alone.

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