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

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 …