Rapper Drake with Sofia Sanchez at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Photo / AP
Rapper Drake with Sofia Sanchez at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. Photo / AP
She had just two wishes for her 11th birthday, but Sofia Sanchez wasn't sure if either would come true.
First, the little girl wanted to meet the singer Drake, then she wanted a life-saving heart transplant.
Her first wish came true a week ago when the singer surprised her at Lurie's Children Hospital of Chicago, delighting his fans by sharing a video showing her sweet reaction.
Now the youngster has received the news that she is to undergo a life-saving transplant, after an organ became available.
Sofia's cousin shared a video showing the moment the child learnt she was to have the life-extending operation.
Sofia is chatting about how one of her birthday wishes was granted, when her mother breaks the news.
Sofia said: "My birthday wish... did happen, well one of them did. To meet drake and that one did happen and it was great. And my other wish is to get a heart."
Her mother, voice breaking tells her: "Well guess what? It happened. Today you're getting a heart."
Sofia covers her mouth in shock before she starts crying.
"I'm getting a heart mom, oh my god!" Her mother replies: "I know, I love you."
Among the thousands touched by the video was Drake, who commented: "Yessssss!!!!!!! My love, so happy for you."
Drake's biggest fan Sofia Sanchez cries as she learns she is to receive life-saving heart transplant. Photo / Facebook
Sofia was recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle condition that can make it hard for the heart to deliver blood to the body and potentially lead to heart failure.
She has been kept in hospital while awaiting her transplant, and has already undergone open heart surgery tin order to connect a mechanical pump to help support her heart and blood flow.
She caught the attention of Drake when she posted a video doing the Kiki Challenge at the hospital while hooked to her IV.
Drake posted a sweet Instagram photo of last week's visit, writing in the caption: "Me and my love Sofia talking about Bieber and Owls and Basketball".
The pair then happily took selfies and Instagram videos while Drake gifted Sofia with some of his merchandise and even sang her his hit song God's Plan.
He also gifted Sofia with his autograph, but not before asking for her own signature first.
Sofia said it was a "miracle" that she got to meet Drake.
"He's one of the first wishes I got in a long time," she said in a sweet video posted by the hospital.
"I didn't talk for a minute, I was like 'What, is this real?' and he's like 'It's me, Drake'", she recalled.
"This is the best birthday present I've ever had," she added. "Thank you so much Drake for coming to see me, it means a lot for you to come and cheer me up."
Dr Bradley Marino, Sofia's cardiologist, said the day was "pretty special".
"She came in with heart failure, she was so ill," he said.
"Having this one special day where she doesn't have to be a sick patient and doesn't have to be a girl waiting for a heart, it's just a little girl who's a fan of a great artist, it's pretty special."
Close friends and family have also rallied around Sofia, who was due to start the fifth grade this fall, and a GoFundMe page has been set up in order to help alleviate some of the stress and pressure on her and her nearest and dearest.
Thus far, the crowd-sourcing page has raised more than $43,900 in just six weeks, with dozens of people offering support, as well as kind-hearted messages of love for Sofia and her family.
