8 year old Zion Harvey, from the Baltimore suburb of Owings Mills, Maryland contracted sepsis as a toddler resulting in multiple organ failure. His grave condition brought about the tragic life saving decision to amputate both of his hands and feet. Zion uses leg prosthesis which allow him to run an play just like any regular child. This brave little boy has learned how to do many things with just his forearms, and shows remarkable confidence along with an inspiring optimism for life.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 a team of doctors proudly announced that Zion’s double hand transplant surgery was a success.
Zion’s forearms were heavily bandaged, but you could see his new hands as he flashed a big smile at the press conference on Tuesday. He even demonstrated his a very delicate grip by wiggling his fingers.
Zion actually underwent his surgery earlier this month, but the doctors did not disclose the 11 hour transplant surgery until this week. A 40 person medical team used steel plates and screws to attach the old bones to the new. Surgeons had to carefully reconnect Zion’s arteries, muscles, veins, nerves, and tendons.
Dr L. Scott Levin who heads the transplant program said,
“He woke up smiling, there hasn’t been one whimper, one tear, one complaint”
His Mother Pattie Ray had this to say,
“It was no more of a risk than a kidney transplant, so I felt like I was willing to take that risk for him, if he wanted it — to be able to play monkey bars and football.”
Several adults in the United States have already successfully undergone double hand transplants in the past few years. Hospital officials in Philadelphia say that Zion is the youngest person to have the surgery. Zion will need a lifetime of immune-suppressing drugs to ensure his body does not reject his new hands. Zion is already on anti-rejection drugs because of his donated kidney, this made him a good candidate for the hand transplant surgery.
Doctors say Zion will be in physical rehab for several more weeks before returning home. At the news conference Zion addressed the press and 2 rows of family who traveled to see him. Zion asked that his family stand so he could recognize them, and he said this;
“I want to say to you guys, thank you for helping me through this bumpy road,”
The family of Zion’s donor chose to remain anonymous.
Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia said it would not hold charge Zion’s family for any costs beyond what’s covered by medical insurance.
What an amazing little boy, here are two videos on this story.
