Dillon Sellers receives heart transplant

April 17, 2003

Dillon Sellers receives heart transplant

Current information as of April 17 : Baby Dillon Sellers is currently in good condition at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. His vital signs are stable and within normal limits.

Betsy Sellers, 37, visits her son Dillon in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital after the four-hour surgery to give him a new heart. Dillon was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome 10 days after his birth on October 19, 2002.

Dillon Sellers, just over 4 months old, fights a daily battle for life. And on Thursday, March 13, he took a big step towards winning. Dillon received a donor heart at Loma Linda University Medical Center just after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday night. It started beating on its own shortly after 11:00 p.m. It was a breath of fresh air after a long and precarious period of waiting.

Dillon’s parents, Marine Major Hal Sellers, and his wife, Betsy, learned that their son Dillon had a defective heart 10 days after he was born on October 19, 2002. Dillon’s condition, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, leaves the left side of the heart underdeveloped and too weak to pump blood well enough to keep circulation going to all his organs.

After waiting four months with no sign of a donor, Maj. Sellers chose to fulfill his duty as executive officer and second in command of the 700-member 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion by shipping out to the Middle East on February 21.

“ He just felt a duty and sense of responsibility to his Marines,” says Mrs. Sellers, 37. “I support his decision, his commitment to his country.”

Even after surgery, Dillon remains in critical condition. But the new heart has given him his best chance at life.

“ I think he likes his new heart,” smiled Anees Razzouk, MD, chief of the

Dillon’s new heart is kept ice cold as the surgery team prepares Dillon for the transplant operation.

cardiothoracic surgery division at LLUMC. Dr. Razzouk was the presiding surgeon in Dillon’s transplant. “He’s a fighter and is winning, though he still has some battles ahead. He’s got his parents’ genes in him.”

Maj. Sellers was able to speak with his wife the morning after the surgery to learn the good news. Mrs. Seller was relieved and appreciative of the donated heart, which saved her son’s life.

“ There are hundreds of Dillons around waiting,” Dr. Razzouk said. “In fact 20 to 30 percent of babies waiting do not make it.”

Mrs. Sellers, exhausted and thrilled, visited with her son early Thursday morning.

“ I just want to hold him with no tubes,” she smiled.

Dillon’s plight has received national attention from all three major broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, and CBS. His story was also aired on CNN. Several print media news organizations, including the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times, carried the word across the country as well. Those interested in making financial donations to the Seller family may direct them to the Loma Linda Branch of Bank of America at 11195 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354. Please indicate that the donation should be deposited in the Dillon Sellers account. For more information, please call Bank of America at (909) 796-0151.

Email messages may be sent to kkuzma@ahs.llumc.edu. Cards and letters may be directed to the Office of Public & Media Relations, Room 1106, 11234 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92354.

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