Two little boys who have been staying in an Indiana hospital for months received new hearts. Now, they can finally go home.
The staff at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis celebrated the exit of Teddy Gomez, 8, and Aidyn Isley, 4. According to a video on the hospital's Facebook page, the celebration happened on back-to-back days after the two little boy's successful heart procedures.
Special moment for the hospital
The moment was not only special for the little boys' families but also for the staff at the hospital. Elise Strohl, a heart center nurse, shared her thoughts. She said that they have a really hard job, so seeing the kids go home is most rewarding.
Amie Hastings, Teddy's mom, said that her son's homecoming is what they were hoping for almost one year. She said that they could not believe that after 11 months, her baby could go home. She jokingly said that she had to share her son with everybody because she felt like the staff was losing their baby.
Aidyn's mom, Cassie Isley, shared the same sentiments as Hastings. She said the bittersweet excitement that she felt is because she will miss the hospital people.
Different heart ailments
A rep at Riley Hospital for Children explained to People that although both boys needed a heart transplant, they suffered different conditions. Teddy had a rare form of degenerative disease of the heart muscle. Without warning, his heart could stop if his ailment were left untreated. On the other hand, Aidyn had dilated cardiomyopathy. One side of his heart grew faster than the other, and it could cause cardiac arrest.
The rep shared that Aidyn's heart was only working at 15 percent before coming to the hospital. Cassie shared that before the transplant, her son suffered a near-death experience. They found him unconscious and not breathing. She said that the doctor told them it is time to get a new heart.
Strohl was amazed at how much Teddy has grown in almost one year in the hospital. She said that the little boy has opened up and has grown into a little human from when he first came in.
Although she was happy that the boys are going home, Strohl said that the staff who formed bonds would miss their absence. She explained that they get attached to patients who stayed for so long. She also added that she feels like that to most of their transplant kids.
Teddy said that he is most excited to play with his cats and not having to eat bland food anymore. Hastings is hoping that her son's story could encourage other people. She said that what people are looking for might be around the corner, so they should not lose hope.
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