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Keith Gets a New Heart

Keith is home. The hospital is calling. His Mom talks to the nurse. The nurse says they may have a new heart for Keith. It is time to go to the hospital.

The hospital beeper could go off anywhere. You may be home, at the shopping center or with friends. When someone from the transplant team tells you over the phone, “We have a heart,” the moment stirs excitement throughout the family.

But, despite the moment’s joy, everyone may feel other emotions, too, like fear or curiosity. Your family has prepared for this moment. Even so, it may help to involve your child in the last-minute preparations.

Maybe he can pack a game or favorite toy, or the tapes you’ve made to play while he is in the hospital. Perhaps he can make a quick call to his friend or a relative to tell them the news about his new heart. Keep in mind that he should not eat or drink anything now.

The ride to the hospital is a good time to remind your child that soon he will meet many new people. Doctors and nurses will greet him and ask how he feels. They will examine him because they want to be sure his body is well and ready to get his new heart. All the people he meets will help to take care of him. Most of all, he wants to hear that you will be there, too.

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