Children's Mercy's Little Firefighter and Best Friends Heart Journey

Chapter 3

Hot shot was in Children's Mercy hospital, he was there because he was having trouble with his heart. His heart has never been healthy. Hot shot has had trouble with his heart since he was a baby. Hot shot has had 11 operations done to him since he was born all through his first five years. Hot shot is only five years old. His heart was doing so bad right now that he needed a new heart. He was going to get a heart transplant. He didn't know when he was going to get the new one. He found out his good friends were also in need of heart transplants.

Hot shot was wondering many things about a heart transplant. He was a bit worried and such. He was thinking about why does he get live and someone else has to die? He was thinking about the guilt and sadness he may feel once he gets his heart transplant. Hot shot was thinking and wondering about many things at the moment. 

His transplant cardiologist came into the room. "Hello Hot shot," the transplant cardiologist said.

"Hi," Hot shot said. 

"How are you feeling?" the transplant cardiologist asked.

"Okay I guess," Hot shot said. "But I have a few questions," he said.

"Okay I will try to answer them," the transplant cardiologist said.

"Why do I get to live when someone else has to die to get a new heart?" Hot shot asked. 

"That is a sad thing Hot shot, the important thing to remember is the family of that child chose to give the organs of that child to help others," the transplant cardiologist. 

"Okay," Hot shot said. "Is it normal to feel sad and guilty about getting a new heart?" he asked.

"Yes it is perfectly normal," the transplant cardiologist said. "Many kids and adults who need organ transplants such as a heart transplant all tend to feel guilty and sad at times about needing a donor organ from someone who has died," he said. "So you are not alone in feeling that way," he told him.

"Okay," Hot shot said. "Will I be able to learn the name of the person who gave me their heart?" he asked.

"Yes you can learn the name of your donor," the transplant cardiologist said. 

"Is it possible for me to meet the donor's family?" Hot shot asked.

"Yes it is possible," the transplant cardiologist said. "Many recipients of organ transplants meet the donor families," he said. 

"Okay," Hot shot said. "Thank you for answering my questions," he said.

"No problem," the transplant cardiologist said. "I am happy to help," he said. "After all the medical team here is happy to answer your questions," he told him.

"Okay," Hot shot said. "How long will I have to wait in the hospital?" he asked.

"I am afraid you are going to have to wait until you get your new heart Hot shot," the transplant cardiologist said. "It is going to take some time most likely before you get your new heart so try to be patient," he said.

"Okay," Hot shot said. "It is not easy to wait," he said.

"I know it's not," the transplant cardiologist said. "But hopefully it will be very soon because you are on the top priority list," he said.

"Okay," Hot shot said.

Hot shot did a few tests while he was in the hospital. Hot shot often found himself being bored in the hospital. Hot shot has spent time in the hospital many times. But never for an indefinite amount of time. It was kind of hard for him. Hot shot was wondering what he should do. Hot shot found ways of entertaining himself while there.