Shane Shimatsu McCusker was born on September 9, 2010 at 6:11 p.m. He appeared to a healthy, bouncing baby boy, weighing 6 lbs. 15 oz. The first thing doctors monitor when a baby is first born is their cry, and Shane’s gave the nurses and doctor some concern, so they began to run tests to see if there was a problem. At first the doctors did not think it was anything serious, but as they ran more tests the severity of his case became increasingly apparent.
The doctors told the McCusker family that Shane’s heart was different than that of the average person. Shane’s heart was located on the right side of his body and turned to the right, rather than being placed on the left side of his chest and angled to the left. This condition is called dextrocardia and heterotaxy syndrome. As one can imagine, Shane’s family and friends were shocked, and they feared for their little boy’s life.
As stated on the Shane’s Heart website, children can live with this condition as long as all the organs and veins in their bodies function regularly, but in the opposite direction. Because Shane was only receiving about 70% of the oxygen that he needed, a helicopter flew him to the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA Medical Center.
This center contained the necessary specialist doctors and equipment to help his condition. After more tests were done, the doctors confirmed that the veins in Shane’s body were not connected to his heart, and rather to other parts of his body.
They also surmised that Shane was without a spleen, for many with this condition were without an organ or two. At this point, there was no other option than surgery if there was any chance of his survival. In addition, Shane would need at least two more surgeries to help or cure his conditions. In his first surgery, Shane’s veins would be redirected to his heart. Shane’s friends and family were deeply shaken by this entire situation, but were slightly eased to hear that the chance of Shane surviving the surgery was around 85%.
Shane’s parents kissed him and told him how much they loved him before he went into surgery, “Our little guy was very tough and strong and we were so proud of his strength.”
His parents earnestly awaited a call about Shane’s condition, and at around 5:00 p.m. their waiting was over. The UCLA medical staff called to tell them that Shane was stable and doing well and was being taken to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to keep him under close watch for the next few days.
Although Shane was stable, the doctors were apprehensive about his blood pressure rising and falling. At 3:00 a.m. Shane’s parents received a heart wrenching phone call telling them that Shane’s blood pressure was dropping rapidly and that they should rush to the hospital. Once they arrived at the PICU, they were met by Shane’s doctor who informed them that Shane’s blood pressure declined dramatically and “though [the doctor and nurses] tried to revive him for 20 minutes, Shane could not hold on and he passed away.”
“He was barely 33 hours old and he had endured more challenges than many of us have in our many years of life.”
Last year, our school supported the Shane McCusker Foundation in raising and donating over $1,000 by selling wristbands and Valentine’s Day cupcakes. Our ASB will be selling wristbands for $1.00 and cupcakes for $3.00 on the stage until February 10. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the cupcakes and one hundred percent of the proceeds from the bracelets will be going to the foundation. So have a heart and help change the lives of children just like Shane.