Chapter
28
Dr. Fergeson was on break, when Gena, from the organ donation
program, burst into the lounge.
“Oh!” she exclaimed when she saw Dr. Fergeson there. “I was just about to page you!”
“What is it?” Dr. Fergeson asked.
“We have another liver for Mr. Carter,” she said, smiling.
“Really?” Dr. Fergeson asked in shock. It was not common for anyone to get two liver
transplants in a period of four days.
Gena nodded. “It’s from a
young man in Mercy Hospital, just a few miles from here. He was in a car accident and is on life
support, but they’ve already declared him brain dead. His parents just signed their consent to have
his organs donated. All factors check
out.”
Dr. Fergeson smiled, for the first time that day. “That’s great news,” she said. “When will they be bringing the liver?”
“In about two hours. You’ll
need to get Mr. Carter prepped for surgery right away.”
Dr. Fergeson nodded.
“Okay,” she said. “Thanks, Gena.”
“No problem,” Gena said.
“Good luck.”
“Thanks,” Dr. Fergeson said and hurried out of the room, eager to
tell Nick’s family the good news.
***
When Dr. Fergeson got to the ICU waiting room, she was in
luck. Nick’s whole family was there,
back from supper, and his four friends were there too.
Jane looked up in shock when Dr. Fergeson burst in. “Oh, God, did he-“ she started, her voice
shaking.
“No, no!” Dr. Fergeson said quickly. “I have good news actually. There’s another liver for Nick!”
AJ let out a whoop of excitement.
Kevin turned to look at him, an amused expression on his face. AJ reddened and flashed him a sheepish
smile. Kevin and AJ still hadn’t been on
the best of terms the last few months, but now that one of their best friends
had just been given one last chance for life, their old problems and disagreements
seemed to vanish.
“Do you think his body will accept it this time?” Bob asked.
“It’s too soon to say,” Dr. Fergeson said. “We’ll give him even more immune suppressants
this time than we did last time, and hopefully, he’ll accept it.”
Bob nodded.
“Well, I need to get Nick prepped right away. He should be in surgery in about an hour and
a half,” Dr. Fergeson said.
“Okay,” Jane said.
“I’ll see you later,” Dr. Fergeson said. “Bye.”
“Bye,” they said, as she left the room. As soon as she was gone, the room erupted in
joyous tears and hugs.
***
