Dying teen put at top of list for new heart after initial denial

WSBRADIO ^ | 8/13/13 | Tom Jones

[from occupied ga]

ATLANTA —

A dying teen initially told he wouldn't get a new heart has learned he's not only on the transplant list, but he's at the top of it.

Anthony Stokes' mother, Melencia Hamilton, told Channel 2's Tom Jones she is relieved and her heartache is gone now that her son is getting a new heart.

"They just had a change of heart,' Hamilton said.

That change of heart has given Hamilton's 15-year-old son, Anthony, a chance at a new heart.

Stokes has been moved to 1-A status for a new heart. That means "his heart is critical where he'll be put at the top of the list when a heart becomes available," Hamilton said.

Anthony's supporters initially said they were told by a transplant committee the teen would not be placed on the transplant list because of his truancy issues and his juvenile record.

"We believe at the initial point that they stereotyped him," said Sam Mosteller with the Georgia chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Hamilton said Children's Healthcare of Atlanta doctors told her Stokes weakened heart would have killed him within six to nine months without a transplant.

Then a doctor gave her the great news Tuesday.

"He told me that he was put on the transplant list," Hamilton said.

A hospital spokesperson sent out a statement that said, "A heart transplant evaluation is an ongoing process based on the patient and his or her family's ability to meet specific transplant criteria. Our physician experts are continuing to work with this family to establish a care plan and determine the best next steps for the patient."

Hamilton told Jones she is elated Anthony has a new lease on life and said her son feels the same way.

"Oh, he was so happy," Hamilton said.

The hospital said a lot of misinformation has been spread about its position. It said privacy laws prevent it from commenting further.

Anthony's supporters said if all goes well, he could have a new heart in a few weeks.

[freeangel]

“because the agencies refuse to refuse liver transplants to long time alcoholics or drug addicts, I won’t sign up to be an organ donor..”

Murderers, pedophiles and rapists serving time are eligible too.

[from occupied ga]

I think the truancy issues and his juvenile record were not moral factors in the decision at all, but practical factors

I think that was the whole point. Will he comply? PROBABLY not given his history.

[from occupied ga]

A favor or benefit given to one person, is a favor or benefit taken from or denied to another...

My point too.

[Navy Patriot]

because the agencies refuse to refuse liver transplants to long time alcoholics or drug addicts, I won't sign up to be an organ donor..

but be prepared to have NO CHOICE because pretty soon it'll be required that you OPT OUT in writing if you don't want to be a donor...

If I could direct my bodily parts to specific people....like children or young people in general...I would do it in a flash...

Agree with all, this has been NP policy for decades now.

[bgill]

I want to know why his heart is shredded to begin with. If its drug use, Lean or something like that, then it seems he’s a bad risk.

Exactly. What is the diagnosis for the heart problem and how long has he had it? If he's had the problem for years, then how the heck was he well enough to have a juvy record? Or was the problem caused by drugs, a stabbing, a fight, etc. due to his own behavior? Wonder who called the board to make them move him into the #1 spot.

[newzjunkey]

I’m hoping his parents and other responsible adults step up and make this kid behave.

STOP. Just STOP. You cannot make a "kid" of 15 behave. A fifteen year old is someone old enough to work and drive a car in many places around America.

Since they couldn't make him go to school or avoid a juvenile record by 15, what are the chances things will go differently from no on?

It seems unlikely he'll appreciate what a new heart means. I'd be content if we did away with transplants entirely. You get what you came in with, for better or worse, and nothing else. I used to be an organ donor but no more.

[catnipman]

Basically, we’re seeing Obamacare already kick in with the predicted favoritism towards favored minorities and members of favored political parties. Want a new heart and you’re not a poor black inner city yute, well, you damn well register Democrat and donate some big bucks to the right Democrat campaigns.

[from occupied ga]

but he’s still a 15 year old kid who is dying.

Yes and it's really sad, BUT HIS GETTING THE ORGAN WILL MEAN SOME OTHER 15 YO KID WILL DIE. And that's even more sad because the transplant committee bent the guidelines because of being maumaued.

[oh8eleven]

He'll be dead within in a year from either gang violence or failure to follow post-surgery instructions.
His family will then whine & wail that he was a good kid, an aspiring rapper studying for his GED and his demise was whitey's fault.

[from occupied ga]

He'll be dead within in a year from either gang violence or failure to follow post-surgery instructions.

Most likely failure to follow instructions OR he'll spend his medicaid drug money on recreational drugs. And it will be no loss to society if he dies in a year. The loss will take place in the next couple of weeks when he gets a hears, and someone without an ankle monitor dies because they didn't get the heart.

[from occupied ga]

Want a new heart and you’re not a poor black inner city yute, well, you damn well register Democrat and donate some big bucks to the right Democrat campaigns

I'm afraid you're right.