At 14 years old, Virsaviya Borun is a testament to defying the odds. Born with her heart outside her chest due to a condition that affects just 1 in a million people, doctors had not expected her to survive a single day. Despite a grim prognosis suggesting she might not live past 30, her mother firmly believes Virsaviya will continue to defy expectations.

Virsaviya’s rare condition left her heart unprotected, with no rib cage or abdominal muscles to shield it. During pregnancy, doctors warned her mother, Dari, that her unborn daughter was unlikely to survive, possibly not even making it through the pregnancy or birth.

Rather than being consumed by worry, Dari proudly shares photos of Virsaviya on Instagram, showcasing her daughter’s exposed heart. These images capture Virsaviya in various poses and settings. Dari’s strength seems to come from her lively daughter, who loves dancing, drawing, riding ponies, and listening to Beyoncé. Although running is restricted, Virsaviya cherishes staying active. To protect her heart, she always wears soft clothing.

“The doctors told me that she would not make it even one day, but now she’s fourteen,” Dari shares. Though doctors predict Virsaviya may not live beyond 30, her mother remains hopeful, believing her daughter can continue to beat the odds.

Virsaviya credits her survival to her mother’s love and support, rather than seeing it as a miracle. “It’s less of a miracle and more of my mother’s love,” she says. “My mom believed; I don’t think it’s anything but that.”

Virsaviya has Pentalogy of Cantrell, a condition that affects only one in a million live births. Remarkably, her heart condition does not cause her pain or hinder her daily activities. However, she must be extremely careful to avoid chest injuries, which could be life-threatening given her heart’s exposure just beneath the skin. To protect her heart, she diligently wears a chest covering. “It’s not easy for Virsaviya to live with her heart on the outside of her chest because it’s really exposed and fragile,” Dari says. “At times, it can cause both myself and Virsaviya anxiety to know just how vulnerable she is.”

Despite the substantial risks, Virsaviya refuses to let her condition hold her back. “Sometimes it can be difficult when my oxygen levels are low, and I feel lightheaded and dizzy. But I love staying active and singing and dancing with my friends,” she says. Virsaviya continues to receive immense support from her fans on Instagram, who find her story truly inspirational. “My heart is different, but it makes me completely unique, and I love that,” she adds. With only 250 documented cases of Pentalogy of Cantrell worldwide, Virsaviya doesn’t let the rarity of her condition deter her. She and her family remain optimistic, refusing to give in to sadness.