TODAY news - Mar 20, 2003

Thursday, March 20, 2003 TODAY

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital news

Dillon Sellers receives heart transplant at ChildrenÕs Hospital

Betsy Sellers 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.

Four-month-old Dillon Sellers fights a daily battle for life. And on Thursday, March 13, he took a big step toward winning his fight.

Dillon received a donor heart at Loma Linda University Medical Center at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday. 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 Betsy and Major Hal Sellers, United States Marines, 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. He shippied out to the Middle East on February 21.

" He just felt a duty and sense of responsibility to his marines," says Mrs. Sellers. "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," smiles Anees Razzouk, MD, chief of the 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."

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

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

" There are hundreds of Dillons around waiting," Dr. Razzouk says. "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 orginazations, including the Associated Press and Los Angeles Times, carried the word across the country as well.

Those interested in making financial donations to the Sellers family may direct them to the Loma Linda Branch of Bank of America at 11195 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, California, 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.

E-mail 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, California, 92354.

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LLUCH celebrates Dr. Suess’ birthday

Jonathan Reid, a 13-year-old bone cancer patient, listens as Terry Kramer, an employee at the Children’s Hospital, reads the Dr. Suess book Oh Say Can You Say?.

A group of volunteers led out in a celebration of silliness on March 3, when Loma Linda University Children's Hospital observed Dr. Suess' birthday. Carol Troesh, a member of the Children Up with Books (CUB) Club, read several of the stories by Dr. Suesis, pen name for the late Theodor Suess Geisel.

" The good thing about Dr. Suess Day is that it’s all about laughter, and that’s good medicine," says Ms. Troesh.

Volunteers read to kids at each of the playrooms in the Children's Hospital. They also made room visits to share in the fun. The kids enjoyed hearing favorites like Green Eggs & Ham, Oh Say Can You Say?, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket, and Hop on Pop.

The event is a nationally celebrated phenomenon begun in 1998 to promote literacy and the work of Dr. Suess. It is a welcome change for the kids facing a daily routine of medication and testing. It provides an entertaining and educational way to help patients pass the time.

The CUB Club, sponsored by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Inland Empire Guild, donated more than 30 Suess books to the Hospital playrooms.

Volunteers also decorated the Children's Hospital entrance and provided an activity center for kids, patients, and visitors alike, to color and water paint.

" It's very important to deal with the whole family," says Leslie Young, coordinator of Children's Hospital programs. The wholistic approach of the Children's Hospital serves the needs of the family as well as the patient. "If the family’s needs are being taken care of, it's easier for them to take care of the child."

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Thursday, March 20, 2003 TODAY