Earlier this year, Parker Helmerich, an Oklahoma boy, made history when he became the recipient of the first pediatric heart transplant in decades. After a successful surgery, Parker is now ready to go home.
Babies with heart defects have had to leave the state in order to receive care for years.
Friday marked a momentous occasion for Parker Helmerich as he made his long-awaited journey home. After spending over 300 days at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, this was a hero’s departure for the young boy.
The hospital hadn’t had a pediatric heart transplant recipient since the 90s, making him the first one in decades.
According to his parents, they had to endure a long journey to reach their destination.
“We had him listed for a transplant and we waited. We waited for a total of 198 days on the transplant list,” recounted Faith Helmerich, the mother of the patient.
In October, the operation took place, and just a month before his first birthday, he finally had the opportunity to return to his Tulsa home on Friday.
David Helmerich, the father of the patient, expressed his amazement at the outcome of the surgery, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, he has a whole new color. He has a whole new life in his eyes.”
According to his parents, he is an adorable baby, but his doctors have recognized his incredible resilience and determination.
“He’s a tough kid,” commented Dr. Harlod Burkhart, the hospital’s chief of cardiac surgery.
According to Parker Helmerich’s family, their journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the hospital staff, who became their second family.
Carly Kaplinger, a nurse at the hospital, expressed that despite the challenging circumstances, individuals are constantly battling their own nightmares. However, they manage to find solace in the little joys and victories they encounter each day, which serves as a glimmer of hope in their lives.
Faith Helmerich expressed her excitement about going back home and also about visiting in the future to show off their new family member. She acknowledged the support and contribution of their extended family in raising their child over the past year.
Babies across the state can now rest assured knowing that they are in good hands with this pediatric heart transplant program. The doctors are successfully pumping patients in, ensuring that these little ones receive the life-saving treatments they need.
Burkhart expressed a sense of accomplishment and pride in the team’s progress, while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done.
“We are incredibly grateful for organ donors like the family who saved our son’s life,” expressed his mom and dad with heartfelt appreciation.
Faith Helmerich expressed, “During our time here, every day felt like a small victory, as it meant that we were one step closer to finding the perfect heart for our son. Each day that he made it, we could continue to wait, knowing that the family who would ultimately give us the most precious gift we could ever receive would have one more day with their child.”
The family is hopeful that others will contemplate the idea of becoming an organ donor, as it can provide hope to individuals who have had to endure waiting periods similar to their own.