This girl's heart is outside her chest

Virsaviya Borun, 6, a native of Russia, suffers from a condition called Pentalogy of Cantrell, which caused her heart and intestines to form outside her body. Photo: Instagram

Six-year-old Virsaviya Borun has been beating the odds her entire life, having been born with her heart and intestines outside her chest and abdomen.

Virsaviya from Russia is diagnosed with this rare and startling condition, known as thoracoabdominal syndrome or pentalogy of Cantrell, which is reported just once in one million births in the world.

Virsaviya’s heart, which is about the size of a fist, could be seen beating against her abdominal area, protected only by a thin layer of skin. Photo: Instagram

Virsaviya’s heart, which is about the size of her fist, could be seen beating against her abdominal area, protected only by a thin layer of skin.

Virsaviya Borun is currently in US, awaiting treatment. But the medical condition has done little to hamper the spirit of this young girl, who fills her days with art, music and dance. The mother and daughter also rely on their faith to keep them strong during this adverse time.

Virsaviya is being raised by her mother, Dari Borun. Photo: Instagram