WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — At one day old, Peter Hernandez was discovered to have severe aortic valve stenosis, a congenital heart defect.
Although his surgery was successful, he developed an infection that destroyed his aortic valve.
Peter's mother Erin said this led to heart failure, more surgeries and uncertainty about his life.
“They gave us a weekend and told us to get the family together and get everyone together and spend time with Peter because we didn't know if Peter was going to make it through this surgery. '' said Erin.
He survived the surgery and began his road to recovery in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Peter was a candidate for a heart transplant at just two and a half months old. It took him four months before Peter and his family were informed that a heart was available.
Peter's mother said: “I was so happy that he was getting stronger, healing and hopefully being able to do all the normal things that all little boys can do.”
Peter and his family worked with the Children's Organ Transplant Association, known as the Children's Organ Transplant Association. Kota. COTA is a charity that supports economically disadvantaged families in need of life-saving transplants through fundraising.
Peter's father, Christopher, said COTA and the Salina community worked together to raise more than $75,000.
“People didn't know him, they didn't know his story, but everyone just came together and cheered him on. This whole city was like that, and it was really special,” I mean, especially during these difficult times,” Christopher said.
Peter is now 5 years old and is trying to live his life in the best way possible, playing with his siblings and friends in the Salina community.
Peter's immune system is weakened, so his family still has to watch out for illness and the unwellness of those around him, but they are excited about his future and grateful for his organ donation. .
“We don't want bad things to happen, but at the same time, while that bad thing can happen, we can also give the most beautiful gift to enable others to live. Remember that. I think it's important to keep that in mind.” Peter's father.
Kansas' heart transplant waiting list from 2018 to 2023 was 329 people, according to Health Resources and Services Administration data. The total number of heart transplant recipients from 2018 to 2023 was 267.
Peter travels to Kansas City to see a cardiologist every four months and undergoes a heart biopsy every year. There is no timeline for whether he will need another heart, but it is likely in the future.
