The parents of a suddenly deceased 2-year-old toddler on Montreal’s South Shore took comfort in seeing his organ donation help save the lives of three children.
“We could at least help someone in our misfortune. […] We can say that he died a hero,” says little James’ father, Maxime Charron-Laporte, soberly.
His life and that of his ex-wife Jessie Hurst were turned upside down on the night of April 28th.
Just after midnight, her son was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest that left him unable to breathe.
With kind approval
On May 6th, the day the toddler would have celebrated his third birthday, a balloon ride was organized in his honor at Chambly in Montérégie.
James, who was due to celebrate his third birthday the following week, was eventually placed on life support. Doctors noted the absence of any cerebral activity.
“When we were told that he [y] had a one in two chance that he wouldn’t survive the night, I wanted to ruin everything. I just walked out crying, I didn’t get it,” Ms. Hurst recalled.
James had no medical history and a coroner’s examination will help determine the exact cause of death.
Easy choice for parents
Despite being overwhelmed by the impending loss of their son, both 26-year-old parents agreed to donate his organs.
“We looked at each other and knew we had to do it,” says the father.
“I thought if this happened to me there was a chance my child could be saved, I would be really grateful to the parents,” adds Ms. Hurst.
“A Ray of Sunshine”
His son will “be able to live on through people”.
With kind approval
Energetic and a park lover, James loved having fun in the modules.
“It was a ray of sunshine. He was so energetic, positive. You couldn’t be in a bad mood with him. […] It was like my mini superhero,” she describes.
His kidneys and liver have been transplanted to three children, including one younger than James who has a rare disease.
Bound by medical confidentiality, Mr. Charron-Laporte and Ms. Hurst have few details about the recipients.
With fewer people dying, young people are less likely to donate organs compared to adults, argues Dr. Matthew Weiss, medical director at Transplant Québec and pediatric critical care physician at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec.
“When that happens, it’s very emotional,” says Dr. Weiss to. There may be hope that part of the child will live with someone else. For many, this is one of the only positive factors after such a loss. »
In priority
Between 15 and 20 children are on a waiting list to receive a transplant each year, while there are between 10 and 15 young donors each year.
These patients also have priority over adults on the waiting list.
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