SEATTLE — A Snohomish family will soon board a private medical flight to Duke University for a life-saving heart transplant, thanks to a generous donation from a stranger who saw their story on the news.

Nine-year-old Katja de Groot, who was born with a rare and severe heart defect, has undergone three open-heart surgeries since birth. She now needs a partial heart transplant — a procedure pioneered at Duke — but flying commercially poses too great a risk due to her weakened immune system.

A private jet was the only viable option. But the cost — more than $28,000 for a one-way flight — was far out of reach. Insurance wouldn’t cover it, and an online fundraiser launched by the family fell short of its goal.

“We kind of were looking at backup plans for backup plans, but none of them were without risk,” said Katja’s mother, Jennifer de Groot.

Then, after KING 5 aired the family's story earlier this week, help arrived.

John Chontofalsky of Puyallup, who lost his wife after she suffered a stroke in 2019, saw the broadcast and stepped in to help. He donated the remaining $14,000 needed to fund Katja’s flight.

“I know firsthand the pain, the suffering of not knowing the future,” said Chontofalsky, who recalled the medevac flight that once brought his wife from Nevada to Washington. “I know in my wife’s heart, she would be right behind me — actually in front of me — caring for this young girl. It was the right thing to do. I feel like it was meant to be."

Katja, who is currently in heart failure, is expected to remain in North Carolina for four to six weeks. Chontofalsky is also arranging for the family’s return flight, so they won’t face additional financial strain.

“From the bottom of my heart, as a mother, I want to thank everyone,” said Jennifer de Groot. “We didn’t think this was going to be possible.”

Katja had a message of her own for those who made her trip possible: “Thank you for all the help! If you can see this, I love you!”