Angel MedFlight rushes Texas teenager to New York for life saving transplant
Nineteen-year-old Betty Foreman may not seem like a fierce combatant, but she has been battling polycystic kidney disease (autosomal recessive) since birth...and it's been a fight for her life. From kidney dialysis four times a week to the uncertainty of transplant availability, this amazing Texas teenager has faced more adversity than most people twice her age.
Last fall, Betty's deteriorating health condition elevated her to the top of the organ recipient list, making her eligible for the next compatible transplant. There was nothing left to do but wait. When Betty and her family were finally notified that a new liver and kidney were available, they were thrilled; but, she had to get to Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City - right away. Any exposure to a passenger with even a common cold on a commercial flight prior to surgery could compromise Betty's immune system, jeopardizing her chance for the transplant.
Betty needed to be flown 1,377 miles on an air ambulance with an experienced medical flight crew capable of handling her delicate condition. Her mother, Nancy, placed the call to Angel MedFlight and within hours a medically dedicated Learjet carrying Betty and her parents lifted off the tarmac in Dallas en route to New York.
"At that point, it was literally a race against the clock," explained Rose Teskie, Angel MedFlight's Chief Flight Coordinator. "Every minute counts: the shorter the elapsed time between procurement of an organ and transplanting it, the greater the odds of a successful surgery. We were prepared because we knew that when Betty was notified that new organs were available, we would have to move fast. And we did."
After Betty's arrival at Mt. Sinai, she underwent what she believed to be her last dialysis in preparation for surgery. Her doctors then broke the devastating news that the donor liver was not viable and the operation had to be canceled. The heartbroken family returned to Texas, hopeful that Betty would receive another opportunity soon.
A month later, Betty received a call from Mt. Sinai. Her family relied on Angel MedFlight to safely transport Betty to New York again. This time the donor liver and kidney were ideal for transplantation. Betty emerged from the six and a half hour surgery with a new liver and kidney in place.
"Her recovery has been somewhat painful, as expected, but doctors are pleased with the outcome and her progress," explained Nancy. "We are thrilled that everything has gone so well."
"We tremendously appreciate the care and support the Angel MedFlight team provided Betty leading up to this point," Nancy continued. "They kept Betty as comfortable and healthy as possible while she waited for transplant. We'd like to thank Angel MedFlight for their expertise and kind compassion!"
Jeremy Freer, Angel MedFlight President/CEO was touched by Betty's strength and inspired by her courage. He offered a financial gift to offset the young woman's mounting medical expenses. Instead, Betty and her family elected to help patients in similar circumstances and requested that Angel MedFlight make a donation to the PKD Foundation, an organization dedicated to the research and treatment of polycystic kidney disease (read the story). Once a tough warrior, Betty is now a generous victor with a bright future ahead of her.
Patients share their experience
"Everything for my husband's flight was wonderful. The Angel MedFlight medical crew was so nice and easy to work with. They kept my husband comfortable. They held his hand; it was great. The flight coordinator explained everything to me ahead of time. She told me what was going to happen and what to expect. I am afraid of flying but they made me feel comfortable. When we landed, the ambulance was right there and ready to go. Everything went well. I want to thank everyone at Angel MedFlight, they were fantastic."
"...We are thrilled that everything has gone so well! We tremendously appreciate the care and support that everyone at Angel MedFlight has provided Betty leading up to this point . They helped keep her informed about her condition, which was so important to us, and as comfortable and healthy as possible while she waited for transplant. We thank them for their expertise and kind compassion."
"My mother and I just wanted to thank Angel MedFlight for all of their help and consideration moving my father and mother to Texas. It could not have went any smoother just as they told me it would. My parents got here safely and dad is in the nursing home and I'm sure his progression will improve. Again, thanks Angel MedFlight for the tremendous effort. The crew was great with my parents."
"I read the testimonials on your website and was very impressed. I wish I would have found Angel MedFlight sooner, so we could have gotten my mother home right away. I was very impressed with Jeremy Freer [Angel MedFlight CEO]. There were no time constraints. I could call in the middle of the night and he would answer. Also, the help we received from the Angel MedFlight legal staff really took the load off me and my dad so we could concentrate on my mother. Knowing that they were taking care of the insurance claim really made me rest easier at night."
"Angel MedFlight is absolutely fantastic. Beyond fabulous. The pilot, paramedic, nurse -- all of them. It was the best flight I ever had in my life."
