The family of transplant campaigner Max Johnson yesterday sent a message of hope to the parents of a toddler in need of a heart.
Three-year-old Evie Green was left fighting for life after an ordinary cold turned into rare myocarditis – inflammation of the heart tissue – when she was just four months old.
Evie’s parents Chloe and David Green, who also have a son Theo, four, are at her bedside at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
It is where Max, now 15, received his new heart, transplanted in 2017.
Chloe, 27, said doctors have told her Evie may be moved to the “urgent list” for a transplant operation if her condition does not improve by next week.
Max’s parents Paul and Emma Johnson know better than anyone what Chloe and David are going through, and hope a donor is found soon.
They said: “We hope that Evie is able to rally and get stronger and is able to return home.
“It is totally understandable that they want Evie to keep her own heart for as long as possible... we have everything crossed. If, however, Evie is listed for urgent transplant, Chloe and David can be assured that she is in the best place.”
They also urged Chloe and David: “Don’t lose hope.
“There will be days when that glimmer seems so incredibly small – barely visible.
“But as long as Evie has the fight in her, hope remains. If anywhere can deliver a safe, successful transplant, it is the Freeman.
“One final point: Max is in school today and he’s just selected his GCSE options. Who would have thought it? We are sending our love and prayers for the gift of life.”
Introduced in May, 2021 after a Mirror campaign, Max and Keira’s Law on organ donation was named in honour of Max, of Winsford, Cheshire, and his heart donor Keira Ball, of Barnstaple, Devon, who died in a car accident in 2017.
Max and Keira’s Law means everyone in England is presumed to be an organ donor when they die unless the opt out of the new system – though family consent is still required.
So Middlesbrough mum Chloe urged families to “have the conversation now” about organ donation – as that simple act could be the difference between life and death for a patient like Evie.
