Celebrating the “miracle days” of transplant patients

It was an unforgettable anniversary party for Stanford Medicine's Children's Health Center. Pediatric Transplant CenterFormer patients and their families came together from across California to celebrate the 50th anniversary of pediatric heart transplants and the 35th anniversary of pediatric lung transplants at Stanford.

More than a dozen families were touched by the gift of organ donation and took part in the celebration, some of whom had recently undergone transplant surgery, while others, like adult Salvador Rodriguez, were reunited with their care team and said they had had a heart for 17 years.

“It's hard to believe that on August 19, 1974, we performed the first pediatric heart transplant at Stanford,” he said. Seth Hollander, MDMedical Director Heart transplantation“Since then, we have performed 568 heart transplant surgeries in 540 patients. I believe that every day after a heart transplant is a gift, or what I call a 'miracle day.'” On August 19th of this year, we will have delivered 1,731,517 miracle days to pediatric heart transplant patients. We are incredibly grateful and honored that our families have entrusted us with their care.”

Transplant patients and their siblings enjoyed a magic show, face painting and balloon swords. The event culminated with a resolution from the California State Legislature recognizing the achievement and decades of work in giving young patients a second chance at life.

“When I look around and see these kids, I see a world full of possibility and potential.” David Cornfield, MDthe head Respiratory, Asthma and Sleep Medicine Center“A transplant is an incredible gift that resides in each individual and each family. What is symbolic to me today is the notion that a transplant can transform deep suffering and fear into the light and warmth of hope. I look forward to sharing many more moments of hope with you and those I have yet to meet.”