KMBC 9: 12-year-old receives heart transplant after collapsing at Olathe school

By Brian Johnson

A 12-year-old boy's heart stopped at school. His teachers rushed to resuscitate him.

Max Kotcharvar was in a physical education class at Woodland Spring Middle School when he collapsed on the floor. His heart had stopped. His teachers gave him CPR and used an AED to bring him back to life.

They got his pulse back and an ambulance took him to Children's Mercy Hospital.

Doctors diagnosed him with restrictive cardiomyopathy. He needed a new heart.

"We weren't expecting that at all, and it was pretty rough news to take," said Max's mother, Stephanie Kotchavar.

Stephanie Kotchavar said it was a big shock. She said there were miracles along the way. On Sept. 21, she said they received the call.

"We were getting ready to go to bed and then we had to go to the hospital at like 12 o'clock," said Max Kotcharvar.

See the full story via KMBC 9

The Ward Family Heart Center at Children's Mercy

Children's Mercy Heart Transplant Program