First Heart-Transplant Baby at Children's

In an operation early Monday morning, two-week-old Lainey Wilkinson became the first baby to recieve a heart transplant at Children's Hospital and Medical Center. The daughter of Jeff and Jessica Wilkenson of Council Bluffs, Lainey has been hospitalized since birth because of a congenital heart defect that could not fixed. Lainey is now recovering in the Intensive Care Unit at Children's. Last month, Children's recieved interim approval from the United Network for Organ Sharing to start a pediatric heart transplant program that serves infants to seventeen-year-olds. The first adult heart transplant in Nebraska was performed on April 8, 1985 at Clarkson Hospital here in Omaha; there were also a few infant heart transplants performed in Nebraska in the 1980s.
     I am happy that Lainey was able to recieve this honor. The heart transplant was a great part of her life that will most likely allow her to live a longer and more prosperous life. This is also such a great milestone for Children's. I definitely feel for Lainey and her family, as I have heart problems as well (I have a heart murmur). I am so excited for Lainey and for Children's. Hopefully Lainey will have a great life ahead of her and Children's will be be able to continue the new pediatric heart transplant program.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130408/LIVEWELL01/704099959#2-week-old-girl-is-first-heart-transplant-baby-at-children-s-hospital