Parents live blog their five-month-old baby son’s heart transplant in moving Facebook posts
Mollie and Sam Dolan have been waiting for this day since little Henry was born... and have chosen to share the story with the world
THESE brave parents have blogged the day of their baby son’s life-saving heart transplant from hospital, after doctors finally found an appropriate organ donor.
Mollie and Sam Dolan have shared the incredible live updates on their five-month-old son’s operation with the world, by posting publicly on Facebook page .
The pictures and videos were sent to the couple by doctors inside the operating theatre, and include graphic clips of the tot actually undergoing surgery.
The Dolans, who are from Minnesota, USA, welcomed Henry into the world on May 2. He was born 12 weeks early, and weighed just 2lbs 11oz.
The parents were horrified when Henry was diagnosed with two different heart conditions, and faced an agonising wait for a transplant – while their new-born son slowly built up his strength in intensive care.
Five long months after Henry’s birth, the Dolan’s received news yesterday (Saturday) that a heart was ready.
The overjoyed parents wrote: "Not even sure how to type this out, BUT... after 16 days listed and 5 months hospitalised WE GOT A HEART!
"Oh my goodness! I have no words. Please be praying for us and the donor family as we know they are going through unimaginable grief.
"How amazing that they have chosen to give a life! Wow!
"You better believe I will let you all be a part of the journey. Stay tuned my dear prayer warriors. We love you!"
After ‘major snuggles’ with Mollie, Henry was wheeled into surgery this morning – and his mum begged friends to pray for her son, while warning she would be posting graphic images.
The parents were sent the updates by doctors on texting app EASE. Here's how their amazing story played out:
The parents are given a time for the operation:
Henry is wheeled into surgery:
His mum wrote: "And we're off! Please Pray! Pray! Pray!
"Just a pre-warning, I do intend to post pictures and videos from surgery throughout the day.
"So if you have a weak stomach, you may want to avoid his posts for the remainder of the day."
The first update:
2. 'The team is at work. Henry is doing really well'
3. 'Henry's new heart is here'
4. 'Henry's old heart is out. He is doing great'
5. 'Our beautiful most precious gift'
When sending this snap, the doctors said: "Dr Eghtesady working on Henry's new heart."
6. Bypass
"This is the bypass machine which is pumping Henry's blood while the new heart is placed."
7. 'Absolutely amazing'
"Dr Eghtesady is working on reconnecting all of Henry's vessels. Henry is doing well."
8. The final post
"This video is of Henry's perfect beat, to his new heart.
"The surgeon just came in to visit with us. They're all finished. He said everything went according to plan, with no surprises.
"However, we are still having a little issues with rhythm. He has a temporary pacemaker until things settle out!
"God is good. Thank you Jesus! Thank you prayer warriors! We are still waiting to be reunited."
9. A happy ending
Posting at around 9pm UK time, the parents said: "Henry the mighty heart warrior. We're together at last!
"I'm in awe of what has happened today. It almost feels like a dream. What I've witnessed today, is nothing short of a miracle.
"A miracle given to us, by a family who is enduring tremendous heartache and pain. What incredible strength they must possess. Please continue to lift this family up in prayer.
"The picture below is me listening to Henry's heartbeat for the first time. Incredible. No more swooshing! Just nice LOUD thumping.
"A M A Z I N G. I can't wait to see what God has in store for Mr. Henry Charles."
