An Islip Terrace girl returned home Tuesday after undergoing what doctors are calling groundbreaking surgery.

Friends and family members gathered at 7-year-old Heather McNamara?s home to welcome her back from a risky surgery performed to remove a tumor in her chest. According to Heather?s parents, the girl had a tumor the size of an orange wrapped around the main arteries in her chest, which was removed at Morgan Stanley?s Children?s Hospital in New York City.

Heather?s mother, Tina McNamara, says the 23-hour surgery was the family?s last option. According to doctors, they had to remove six of Heather?s organs to access the tumor and properly remove it. Heather?s father was on stand-by during the procedure, in case they needed a liver donor.

Heather spent one month recovering in the hospital before making her way back home Tuesday. She said the first thing she wanted to do upon returning was play with her puppy, Angel.

Heather?s father, Joseph McNamara, says he can?t wait for Heather to pursue her dreams.

?To do and be whatever she wants to be, I'm going to support her because I believe there's a special purpose for her,? Joseph McNamara says.

Doctors were unable to re-implant Heather?s stomach, spleen and pancreas, so she is now diabetic.