Book Nook: Nick's New Heart - 30 Years and Counting

 After being born with terminal heart defects, 23-month-old Nick May received a heart transplant in an emerging world of surgery that was itself only a few years old.According to Dr. Kirk Kanter, the surgeon who transplanted the heart into Nick, the median age for survival of infants for patients like Nick between ages 1 and 5 is 18.4 years.Today, 30 years later, Nick is 31 years old, a college graduate, a store manager, a husband and even a father – to a daughter who is about the age he was when he received his new heart, no less.

Nick shrugs off being looked at differently. He believes he’s just living his life the way anyone else walking in his shoes would.

His mother, award-winning author Susan Carlisle May, has a bone to pick with that. For one, she has only been able to track down 2 cases of children who received heart transplants as young as Nick did and have survived as long as he has.So she did what any mother in her situation would do. She wrote a book about how special her son is and is now on a mission to tell the world.

Nick May was one of the first successful heart transplants in the United States performed on a 1-year-old baby, as told by his mother. Most people associate heart problems with old age. However, many children also suffer serious heart, kidney, eye or other medical problems that once were insurmountable. In the past, infants with the heart defects that Nick once had invariably died. However, with surgical and medical advances, this sad situation has changed, providing not only life for these children, but a good quality of life.

The story of Nick is similar to a roller coaster ride without seat belts or safety bars. Here is a true story that is often more dramatic than fiction, as excellent doctors worked together with a caring, intelligent family not just to save a life, but to provide a good life.

Great experiences, deeper understanding, hope, love, faith, and steadfast support from friends, relatives, nurses, staff, and doctors have been the result...along with a wonderful book. 

Author Susan May weaves a story of strength, ability, determination, faith, teamwork and inspiration in her book, as she recounts the story of her son, Nick, and the overwhelming odds he overcame. Often touching, sometimes sad and scary, sometimes funny, this story demonstrates the extraordinary results of doctor/family teamwork, positive attitudes, and the needed support of others when a serious medical condition strikes any child.

Susan has her sights on a bigger mission: to get the word out about how important organ donation is. For example, did you know that one deceased donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance more than 100 lives through lifesaving and healing gift of tissue donation? 

I had a chance to interview Susan to learn more.

Why is it important to raise more awareness for organ donation?

Because it saves lives of the young and old. There are currently 100,000 people waiting on some type of organ transplant in the US. One person can save up to 8 peoples' lives by agreeing to donate their organs. I know this first hand. My youngest son received a heart transplant at one year old. Today, he is 32, a husband and father. Without the live giving gift of a transplant he wouldn't be alive today and neither would my 2 year old grand daughter. 

How can knowing more about the process help alleviate concerns for potential donor families?

Knowledge is always a strength, which calms fears. Organ donation is a medical procedure done in a hospital setting that is preformed with respect for the donor and their family. No major religion stands against organ donation. Your readers can find out more truthful information about organ donation at https://unos.org/ 

What are some recent advancements that have been made in the field of transplant surgery?

One of the largest and far reaching advancements is in living-related organ donation. This means that a family member or friend can donate to someone after extensive testing. This can't happen for heart transplant patients, but does take place in liver and kidney patients with great success. New and improved anti-rejection drugs have greatly extended the life of organ transplants. The future is bright for many people who were at death's door because of strides in anti-rejections medicines.   

How can organ donors and recipients find support to process the complicated emotions that can result?

Hospital transplant programs all have a social worker and physiatrist on their transplant staff. There are also support groups available through different organ procurement organizations. I also suggest reading about other transplant patient's experiences, like my book Nick's New Heart 30 Years and Counting... These accounts can give different perspectives and encouragement. 

ABOUT SUSAN CARLISLE MAY

Susan has written over thirty books of fiction and nonfiction. She writes romance for HarperCollins as Susan Carlisle. Under the name S. Carlisle May she published A WWII Fight Surgeon about her great uncle's experience. She has also published numerous books on her own. Often found speaking to nursing groups, civic groups, and high school health classes, Susan will talk to anyone who will listen about the importance of organ donation. She has led workshops on time management, organizing your time, finding the right writer's conference to meet your needs, and making rejection work for you.