17-month-old Carter was born with very serious lung function issues and just one-hour post-birth, he was intubated and his life-long struggle to breathe began. His medical team was running out of local options and he was air transported to lung specialists in Texas. At three months old, he was placed on a lung transplant wait list and for four more long weeks, Carter endured daily tests, a tracheotomy, a number of procedures, and paralysis; all the while, his battered little body struggled to breathe. Finally, his emotionally exhausted parents received the news that donor lungs were available and Carter’s big surgery day had arrived. His parents rejoiced when this extensive and fragile 12½ hr double-lung transplant was complete and successful! After many more weeks in Texas for post-surgical care, Carter was able to come home for the first time and be with his two older brothers and loving parents full-time. Mom & Dad spent much of this time apart to care for Carter’s siblings in MN and Carter in Texas, so this reunited family was overjoyed to finally be together as a tight-knit unit once again. Carter will continue to visit Texas every three months for follow up appointments and he will continue a strict regiment of medications. His parents know that this transplant won’t be his last. They currently project six years, but his family is hopeful that medical advances will allow for a longer time and in the meantime, they will all enjoy every healthy moment.
Wishes & More couldn’t wait to bring some joy to this amazing family and provide some outdoor, wind-in-your-face smiles to Carter and his big brothers! Carter’s wish was for a backyard play set and Wishes & More had it installed just before Easter. We received these great photos of the boys playing together right after installation as their backyard memory-making began. Staying home and social distancing won’t be a problem for this family as they all enjoy the family time together playing on Carter’s wish. Have fun, boys!
