Donation Stories: Two Boys in Need of Hearts are Best Friends

In honor of Donate Life Month this April, we’re sharing some of our favorite donation stories on the blog. This post was originally published on Fox 13 News in December, 2014.

Before he was five months old, Teagan Petitt needed two surgeries to deal with a congenital heart defect.

“We found out that Teagan was born with a very critical, congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and we would need to operate immediately,” said Brytten Pettit, Teagan’s mother.

Teagan, 6, had a third open heart surgery in July 2013. His mom said life became fairly normal until February.

“Teagan’s lungs basically fill up with fluid. There’s no cure for plastic bronchitis, but the best outcome would be a heart transplant and that’s his best chance at life,” Brytten Pettit said.

Teagan’s lifelong friend, Alex “Gator” Homer, also suffers from hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

“They’ve been friends since they were babies. Me and his mom met knowing that […] they were both born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome,” Brytten Pettit said.

Both boys wear oxygen masks and backpacks with life-saving medicine inside during their day-to-day activities. They don’t have the same amount of energy as other children, but they still spend hours playing together, in and out of the hospital.

Teagan said he wants to be a superhero when he grows up. His mom prays he’ll get the chance.

“We know we’re asking for a lot. We know that we’re asking another family on their worst day to give us the greatest gift they could give us, but it would be such an honor to have their child live on through ours,” Brytten Pettit said. “We don’t pray for anyone else to have to go through what we’re trying not to go through, which is the loss of a child. We’re just praying that someone will say yes to organ donation.”

To become an organ donor, say “Yes” on the form you fill out to get your driver’s license or state ID card. You can also sign up at yesutah.org. It is recommended that you tell your family if you’re an organ donor.

Donate Life Stories: Lily Needs a Gift of Hope

In honor of Donate Life Month this April, we’re sharing some of our favorite donation stories on the blog. This post was originally published on Fox 13 News in October, 2014.

Lily is 4 years old and so full of energy that you might be surprised to learn she is unwell.

But despite her outward enthusiasm, Lily is in need of a kidney transplant. She and her family spoke to FOX 13 News’ Hope Woodside about the need for organ donors.

Watch the video below for Lily’s story and visit YesUtah.org to learn more about organ donation.

Story Lines: How Social Workers Helped Save My Family

by Andrea Aveytua
Alex, Sarah, Josh, & Nicole’s Mom

In 2013 Alex, Sarah, Josh, and Nicole suffered the loss of their father. He didn’t die from cancer or a horrible car accident. They lost their father because of his choice to be abusive.

The majority of the physical abuse was directed at me. Although I knew the fighting upset and hurt the children, I never realized how deep their pain was. In addition to the physical violence, I also discovered he had sexually exploited our daughter.

My children’s father was arrested and sent to prison. Unless he makes major changes, he will not see them until they are adults—if then. After he was gone I knew the children needed to get help and found Primary Children’s Safe and Healthy Families. All of my children began seeing therapists and these amazing people saved my children!

My children were withdrawn and depressed. Some were overcome with guilt, feeling they played a part in their father’s decisions. It was a very long process, but we all looked forward to our weekly meetings. It was a time and space that allowed all of us to heal. The wounds and scars left from their father’s actions are as real as any broken bone or laceration.

Along the way we were also introduced to a great program called DBT—Dialectic Behavior Therapy. My oldest was having issues with his anger and our therapist recommended this to help. It was a six month class where we met in a group environment to learn new skills. This class was specifically for me and my teenager. He and I learned so many wonderful skills that we still use every day.

After about a year in therapy it was time to help the children move on. Some of my children loved their therapist so much and were heartbroken at the idea of not seeing them again. We have been back a couple of times when they needed a little help and I’m so grateful they can return to the same therapist. Although the therapy was specifically for my children, I have reaped so many benefits through the process myself.

I am grateful that Primary Children’s recognized that there was a need in our community for those that have been injured by various forms of abuse and provided the help that children need. The scars are now smaller and their lives are full thanks to the social workers we worked with. I don’t think my family could ever thank them enough for all they have done for us.

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Story Lines is a feature on Play Ground telling the personal stories and experiences of people cared for at the hospital. If you would like to share your experience on the blog, please contact us.

Where in the World? Important Safety Tips for RV Travel

by Janet Brooks
Child Advocacy Manager

With the worst of winter behind us (what winter in Utah?) and warmer days ahead, many of us look forward to the treasured season of vacations and travel. Spring and summer provide excellent opportunities for families to get out and enjoy the stunning world we live in.

Some families conclude that the best way for them to travel is to use recreational vehicles or RVs. While this form of travel sounds fun and convenient, it can also create great concern among Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Why? It all seems so simple to load up the ‘coach’ and go! However, the safety of the rear passengers (including children) is uncertain due to variations in meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety seat belt requirements and lack of required crash testing.

We all know the importance of placing younger children in a car seat and for everyone in the vehicle to buckle up! But during a collision in an RV, wooden benches and cabinets can break apart and equipment and storage materials can become projectiles causing injury to those riding in that area. And, child safety seats are NEVER to be used in rear-facing or side-facing bench seating in any RV.

So, before heading out with those you love, think about the safest way to travel and seek additional assistance from a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician by contacting Primary Children’s Hospital’s Car Seat Safety Team at (801) 662-6583 or visit www.primarychildrens.org.

I wonder “where in the world” I might see you this summer!

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Janet has worked as the Child Advocacy Manager at Primary Children’s for 17 years. She manages the Hold On To Dear Life® educational and advocacy campaign. Janet is a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor and an instructor in transporting children with special health care needs. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, five children, three in-laws, and six beautiful grandchildren.

Primary Children’s is First to Receive New Low-Dose CT Scanner

Primary Children’s Imaging Department is excited to be the first, free-standing children’s hospital in the country equipped with the new GE Revolution CT Scanner. This brand new scanner reduces radiation exposure by as much as 82% through innovative Smart Dose Technologies. This contributes to more accurate diagnosis and lowers exposure for patients across standard and advanced exams.

The Revolution CT can scan the entire abdomen and pelvis in less than one second – reducing the need for sedation, and minimizing breath hold time for patients. It can also capture high resolution cardiac imaging at any heart rate.

“Having great partners, like GE, creating technology like this ensures our patient’s safety, health and comfort,” said Brian Davis, Imaging Manager. “Our entire team is committed to making imaging procedures less stressful for families, and limiting the exposure of patients to radiation. Having the latest technology available, helps us accomplish that.”

GE worked to design a scanner with more thought towards what the patients sees, hears, and feels. Additionally, Primary Children’s developed a fun, pirate island theme that will help kids feel less intimidated by the scanner. The powerfully quiet, split second scanning of the Revolution CT will be a welcome addition to Primary Children’s imaging team.