Return to Transcripts main page
American Morning
Boy's New Hope
Aired March 13, 2003 - 08:54 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We introduced you last week to 4-month- old Dillon Sellers, critically ill son of Betsy Sellers and Marine Major Hal Sellers, now serving in the Gulf, Kuwait in fact. Last night, the Sellers' little boy received a donor heart that could save his life.
This morning from Loma Linda, California, the boy's mother joins us this morning to talk about this.
Great to see you. and I guess congratulations is in order. Are you tired?
BESTY SELLERS, MOTHER OF DILLON: Yes, I am. Thank you.
HEMMER: Tell us about Dillon. How is he doing?
SELLERS: He's doing very well. His recovery is going smoothly so far. Surgery went well, and doctors are, so far, optimistic.
HEMMER: Have you spoken to your husband?
SELLERS: Yes, I have. He called the hospital right as surgery was wrapping up, and I was able to tell him that everything went well and that I spoke with him just a little bit ago to let him know that recovery also is, so far, so good.
HEMMER: That's great, you have telephone contact. What was his reaction when he got the news?
SELLERS: He was thrilled. He was concerned, you know, until he got word that surgery was all completed, but he was very much relieved.
HEMMER: Betsy, listen. I know you're not a doctor, but you have kept in very close contact with the medical procedure here. I'm told in the days leading up to the surgery that Dillon's conditions had deteriorated somewhat, but within minutes of this transplant going, apparently, his color changed from ashen to pink. What have doctors told you about that condition, his prognosis?
SELLERS: His prognosis now is very well. He did have some trouble on Monday related to his ventilator. He did -- they did need to resuscitate him twice. Ever since surgery, the heart is working wonderfully. His circulation is perfect. And his little toes are pink for the first time.
HEMMER: Wow. What are they telling you right now is the biggest concern, Betsy?
SELLERS: His concern is still with infection. He, obviously, has so many entry sites into his body with tubes and IVs, there is a cause of infection there. He also still has a respiratory infection that he had before surgery, so they will be following him very closely with that.
HEMMER: Time for you to get some sleep, OK? you've been great telling your story and sharing it with, us and get your husband home soon, too, all right?
SELLERS: I'd like to do that.
HEMMER: OK, Betsy Sellers, Loma Linda, California, best news we've heard in a long time regarding your son. Great to hear.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired March 13, 2003 - 08:54 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We introduced you last week to 4-month- old Dillon Sellers, critically ill son of Betsy Sellers and Marine Major Hal Sellers, now serving in the Gulf, Kuwait in fact. Last night, the Sellers' little boy received a donor heart that could save his life.
This morning from Loma Linda, California, the boy's mother joins us this morning to talk about this.
Great to see you. and I guess congratulations is in order. Are you tired?
BESTY SELLERS, MOTHER OF DILLON: Yes, I am. Thank you.
HEMMER: Tell us about Dillon. How is he doing?
SELLERS: He's doing very well. His recovery is going smoothly so far. Surgery went well, and doctors are, so far, optimistic.
HEMMER: Have you spoken to your husband?
SELLERS: Yes, I have. He called the hospital right as surgery was wrapping up, and I was able to tell him that everything went well and that I spoke with him just a little bit ago to let him know that recovery also is, so far, so good.
HEMMER: That's great, you have telephone contact. What was his reaction when he got the news?
SELLERS: He was thrilled. He was concerned, you know, until he got word that surgery was all completed, but he was very much relieved.
HEMMER: Betsy, listen. I know you're not a doctor, but you have kept in very close contact with the medical procedure here. I'm told in the days leading up to the surgery that Dillon's conditions had deteriorated somewhat, but within minutes of this transplant going, apparently, his color changed from ashen to pink. What have doctors told you about that condition, his prognosis?
SELLERS: His prognosis now is very well. He did have some trouble on Monday related to his ventilator. He did -- they did need to resuscitate him twice. Ever since surgery, the heart is working wonderfully. His circulation is perfect. And his little toes are pink for the first time.
HEMMER: Wow. What are they telling you right now is the biggest concern, Betsy?
SELLERS: His concern is still with infection. He, obviously, has so many entry sites into his body with tubes and IVs, there is a cause of infection there. He also still has a respiratory infection that he had before surgery, so they will be following him very closely with that.
HEMMER: Time for you to get some sleep, OK? you've been great telling your story and sharing it with, us and get your husband home soon, too, all right?
SELLERS: I'd like to do that.
HEMMER: OK, Betsy Sellers, Loma Linda, California, best news we've heard in a long time regarding your son. Great to hear.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
