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Doctor Adopts Boy Left Alone for Heart Surgery
7 Mar
Summary
- Pediatric anesthesiologist adopted a 5-year-old patient named True.
- The boy arrived alone for crucial heart surgery.
- The adoption was finalized 19 months after they met.

A pediatric anesthesiologist has adopted a young patient who was left without any guardian for a significant heart surgery. Dr. Amy Beethe encountered the five-year-old boy, True, in January 2022, as he was being prepped for an operation.
True, who was in foster care, arrived at the hospital alone, as his caseworker was absent due to COVID-19. Dr. Beethe was deeply affected by the sight of the boy without any support and spoke with her husband, Ryan, about the possibility of adoption.
Despite initial hesitation, Ryan Beethe soon agreed, stating it felt right after meeting True. The couple officially adopted True 19 months after their initial encounter.
Dr. Jason Cole, a pediatric cardiologist, noted that True's lifespan might have been extended by finding a loving home. He emphasized that a stable home environment is crucial for patients with complex congenital heart disease to even be considered for a future heart transplant.




