Justin, 3 years old, was born with several congenital heart defects.  Recently, the doctor told his mother, “Your son needs a heart transplant very soon or he will not survive.”  Justin’s mother called CMR to get more information about heart transplantation, other potential treatment options that could exist and questions to ask their doctor.

After reading the report, Justin’s mother went back to the doctor and asked why other, less risky surgical options were not being considered.  Uncomfortable with the answers she was getting, she sought a second opinion for the first time.  The new doctor confirmed that other less risky procedures existed and should be tried before doing a heart transplant.  Justin’s mother changed doctors and he went on to have a less invasive, successful surgery.  He is doing fine today without a heart transplant.