THE PHONE rang and the Whitton family could not believe their ears.
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Hannah had a heart.
Eight months in hospital led to this moment.
“The anticipation, waiting for that phone call, not knowing when it will come, and when it does come – it makes time stand still for what feels like forever,” Hannah’s aunt Katie Whitton said.
“It makes you hold your breath, but mostly makes you forever grateful for organ donors.”
The transplant surgery took around ten hours, but unfortunately it wasn’t without complications.
Diagnosed with Neuropraxia – Sciatic Trunk, Hannah’s nerves were damaged during surgery.
She has no feeling from her ankles down, and will have daily physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions over the coming months.
But, the family said Hannah is doing well.
“Throughout the entire eight months of Hannah’s journey, we have always been informed of possible risks and complications with each procedure and the transplant operation was no different,” Ms Whitton said.
“With all her determination and courage and with so much love, positivity and kindness that she is shown from family, friends and the wider community – she will overcome these hurdles.”
Hannah will have biopsies taken repeatedly for the next few months to ensure her body hasn’t rejected the new heart.
The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne will be home to Hannah and her mother Kristy indefinitely.
“As much as its hard being away from home, The Royal Children’s Hospital is where Hannah needs to be for now, under the watchful eye of the cardiology and rehabilitation teams,” Ms Whitton said.
“As this journey enter its eighth month, the Whitton Family wish to thank the community for their ongoing support, love and well wishes.
“In this situation, we are completely overwhelmed with receiving a new heart for Hannah, but at the same time we are truly forever appreciative of the anonymous organ donor, and must acknowledge the sadness another family have endured.”
The family would like to encourage members of the community to have discussions about organ donation, in light of the gift that saved Hannah’s life.
“Without the donation of such a tremendous gift, life would be very different,” Ms Whitton said.
At any time, around 1400 Australians are on the organ transplant waiting list.
Last year 503 organ donors and their families gave 1,447 people a new lease on life.
And, Australia is a world leader for successful transplant outcomes.
For information visit register.donatelife.gov.au