Bittersweet Story: 'Claine and Samuel

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

One of our members here, Donormom, shared this website with us, about her angel baby girl 'Claine, and the little boy Samuel, whose life was saved. I couldn't help but tear up as I read it. We had a similar situation at my last unit, where a family donated their baby's organs after a tragic in-utero brain infarct. Please read this story and look at the amazing pictures.

http://www.clainescorner.com/

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Specializes in NICU.

Thanks for sharing that with us Steve!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

My wife's 4 year old niece was the recipient of a heart transplant a day or 2 before Christmas in 2007. The family got the call that an organ was available on December 21, and they rushed to St Louis, MO, for the surgery.

As the family gathered, the mother of this child asked for a prayer from a pastor in the family. The pastor immediately asked God to bless and comfort the family who had just lost their baby, enabling ours to have a chance at life.

There was a stunned silence in the room as everyone caught on to what he'd done, and awareness of the sacrifice that was made that day came to the surface.

In our happiness about OUR angel receiving an organ that would likely save her life, it was too easy to overlook that other family, who would be spending Christmas mourning the loss of their angel.

It was quite an experience.

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.

I have read Maclaine's story before from a link on a grief support site where one or both of her parents are members. I admire them for what they did.

I had asked about organ donation when my son died in 2002 at the age of 12 days but he was just too sick and his body had been through so much, his doctors didn't think his organs would be able to help another child. My precious angel died from complications of ToF/VSD w/ DORV.

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Specializes in ICU/Telemetry/Med-Surg/Case Mgmt.

Steve,

Thank you for remembering our angel. It is hard to believe that should would have been nine this month!!

The little boy, Sam, who received her heart 9 years ago, received a bronze metal in bowling at the US Transplant Games. This is Olympic style games that take place every 2 years for recipients from little kids to senior citizens. It is awesome to see people who would have died, participating in track, golf, swimming and all kinds of sports.

Another great update, Sam had a heart cath again this month and got a perfect report!!

Our God is an Awesome GOD!!!

Hugs to all,

Karen

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