Baby Needs a Heart Transplant

Baby Laith, only 2-months old, needs a heart transplant to survive. For this to be possible, the family is in need of community donations to save their child. Donate at: http://laithdougherty.info/

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By: CramsaySubscribe Channel: On the Scene Monday, Feb 23 , 09 at 9:43 PM

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baby health heart transplant childrens hospital

65 Comments

An Oregon baby, Laith Joshua Dougherty, is only a few months old and is in need of a heart transplant at Children's Hospital in Seattle. The family's health insurance will not cover a majority of the transplant, and so Children's has refused to admit him until the family can pay $1.5 million for the transplant up front.

The family is in dire need of community donations to raise the money for his transplant, otherwise their son will die.

For all of the information, pictures of the baby, or to donate, go to:
http://laithdougherty.info/

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Heidi says ... on Monday, Mar 16 at 5:32 PM

A hospital in Pittsburgh has agreed to install what's called a Berlin Pump in Laith's heart. I think they put in 2 of them. The idea is the pumps will keep him alive long enough to get a heart transplant.

Leslie McCleskey says ... on Wednesday, Mar 11 at 4:11 PM

I just want to say to the family I know what your going through in some ways. My son is two months old and we are in Arkansas Children's Hospital waiting for a heart. just pray god will come to you in your time of need.

mike kallner says ... on Wednesday, Mar 4 at 2:47 PM

my school (sand creek middle school) in albany new york or colonie are doing a fundraiser for this, we have some donations at the moment, i am mike kallner im 13 and i have donated moneyy and plan on donating more.

Anonymous says ... on Tuesday, Mar 3 at 1:11 AM

If you would like an update on baby Laiths progress you can visit his web page on Facebook. If you don't have a Facebook acct, it's free to sign up. You can find his page by typing in his full name; Laith Dougherty. Hope this helps. =)

Anonymous says ... on Saturday, Feb 28 at 9:36 PM

Bonnie can you give us an update? Thanks

malugasmom says ... on Saturday, Feb 28 at 1:08 PM

I'd like to apologize to the family. Our system is obviously broken for this to have even been an issue. May ABBA bless them with everything they need and then some. My heart and prayers go out the the family and I pray for a miracle for He is able.

Rosemary N. says ... on Saturday, Feb 28 at 1:13 AM

I think it´s horrible how people are questioning if the story is a scam.I know the desperation the parents must feel while they plead for their sick son,I had a son last year that died of severe heart defect after his surgery in CT,May God bless them

Christine Quinn says ... on Saturday, Feb 28 at 12:03 AM

Have you tried finding help at the Ronald McDonald House.I'm not to sure what they do,but they helped my neice who had multiple organ transplants.

JIM says ... on Friday, Feb 27 at 2:55 PM

I JUST READ ON THE WEB SITE, THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY HEADED FOR A TRANSPLANT FACILITY,, GOD IS GOOD AND ALWAYS PROTECTS US IN SPITE OF OURSELVES, CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER AND PRAISE OF THE LORD FOR WHAT HE IS DONING IN THIS FAMILYS LIFE..

Sue says ... on Friday, Feb 27 at 12:25 PM

How can 8 babies be born to a woman in Calif. who cannot pay for any of the expenses involved and she continues to receive help but this one child whose life depends on this operation be turned away. What is wrong with the healthcare system.

Nancie C. says ... on Friday, Feb 27 at 11:49 AM

My neice had a heart condition as a baby. Children's Hospital in Seattle treated her. Between them and the Shriner's, my sister was required to pay nothing. This family needs to keep pushing for help. My prayers go out to them!

Anonymous says ... on Friday, Feb 27 at 11:23 AM

I donated $125.00 his family need's it more than my family does, and I would hope somone would help us if it was the other way around!

Glen says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 10:29 PM

I seen this on a news cast here in Delawae just the other day, couldn't believe it. I just wrote to Oregon congress and gov., hope everything works out for the little guy and his family.

Lynda says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:43 PM

Laith, God loves you and is with you and your family. We are praying for your healing and any provision you and your family needs. What a precious angel you are! I commit to send a donation and challenge any of these contributors to do the same.

brad says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:38 PM

today i collected 1,103.00 & sent it to help

ernie s says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:05 PM

my father is a shriner. they have hospitals all over the country try and contact one if need help email me stumpguy1@frontiernet.net

Dawn says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 6:40 PM

Even if this is a legitimate story, the reporting here is very irresponsible. KATU and KOMO left many unanswered questions. If you are going to request donations on a newscast, please give the viewers more info. No wonder some think this is a scam.

Anon says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 4:39 PM

THIS IS NOT A SCAM and IT DOES COST THAT MUCH. THESE ARE HONEST HARD WORKING PPL. THAT NEED OUR HELP BECAUSE ONE DAY IT COULD BE YOU IN THEIR SHOES

Bonnie says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 1:50 PM

Laith's grandma is my cousin. Please donate what you can to help save their son Josh's first baby! If you can't donate, please send good energy to give the parents and Laith strength to endure during this terribly difficult time.

Tori says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 1:28 PM

It's a real shame that greed (of doctors and hospitals) out weigh the need of the people. This poor family shouldn't have to worry about 1.5 million dollars along with the failing health of their baby. God Bless and good luck with the fund raiser.

Cindy says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 11:54 AM

Has the family contacted Loma Linda Hospital in California to see what they could do? A little baby and these insurance companies are just looking out for themselves. Greed is the bottom line here.

ANONYMOUS says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 11:28 AM

This makes me sick to my stomach. I can't believe this would happen in this country. How about letting Oprah hear this story?

From Montreal says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 11:02 AM

I saw this news story up here in Canada. I know our "socialized" health care has its problem but seeing this story makes me realize that I'll take ours anyday over the one you are forced to deal with! I hope something can be done!

Anonymous says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 9:31 AM

My local news station in Oklahoma ran this story last night, just a thought but I emailed them this morning and asked them to keep running the story so more people will here about this precious baby boy needing help, so if everyone did this it might

Kim says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:16 AM

A transplant on a baby does indeed cost 1.5 million. Open heart surgery costs more than $500,000!! How ridiculous that this baby is being turned away just because he does not live in the right area for this hospital to cover him. Very sad.

Kathy says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 8:11 AM

This story brings tears and chills to my body. I am going to research this further as I have a grandson who had a heart transplant at Mott's children's hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan 3 years ago and the family couldn't afford it. They need help fast

Susan says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 7:20 AM

Molly - The 1.5 million includes the cost of the transplant, specialists, anti-rejection drugs and years of follow up care. Children's said they needed a guarantee of payment for the full amount. St. Jude's doesn't do heart transplants.

Jim says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 4:53 AM

HERE MOLLY, DO YOURSELF AND THE REST OF US A FAVOR AND CONTACT THE HOSPITAL YOURSELF. THE REST OF YOU, PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER FOR THIS FAMILY, AND MOLLY. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/home/contact/contact_form.asp

Vonnie says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 12:14 AM

If you're still skeptical, you can also go to Toledo News 13abc.com and type in "Oregon baby needs heart transplant" to hear baby Laiths story. Please help him. Even if you give $5, every penny counts towards a new heart for baby Laith. Thank you!!!

Molly says ... on Thursday, Feb 26 at 12:10 AM

It's a fraud!!! A transplant doesn't even cost 1.5 mil. $500,000 maybe. Besides Childrens would not turn away a family in need like this. There is funding for situations like this. Do some research!

Vonnie says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 11:52 PM

I just want everyone that thinks this is a scam to know that, THIS IS NOT A SCAM!!!!!!! I know baby Laiths parents. They're both hard-working and caring people. If you're still skeptical about this story, go to http://laithdougherty.info/

Amber says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 11:52 PM

Please email Seattle Childrens and let them know how displeased you are that they will not provide this service to this child. http://www.seattlechildrens.org/home/contact/contact_form.asp

Wanita says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 11:41 PM

When we as Americans can shell out millions of dollars on commercials to put political candidates in office, then we sure can put out a few dollars to help save a childs life. Better yet, why don't we save all the children, and treat them for free.

Josh says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 11:04 PM

As Jim said above this family lives in Oregon, the children's hospital in Seattle only provides free assistance to families living in Washington, Alaska, Idaho or Montana. OHSU does not do pediatric heart transplants.

Mary says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 10:00 PM

PLEASE, TELL THEM TO GO TO ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN MEMPHIS TENN. THEY WILL ACCEPT HIM, THEY DON'T TURN ANYONE AWAY AND HAVE THE BEST DOCTORS IN THE WORLD...HURRY SOMEONE TELL (714) 871-3280. Administration. (714) 992-300 EXT 3738

sunkisses1331 says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 9:53 PM

The hospital said they would do the transplant if the family pays up front. Can't you read? I contacted the family, the news and the hospital this is a true sad story. Not everything is a scam. I mailed a donation. If everyone gave a little?

Robin says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 9:46 PM

St. Jude's specializes in the treatment of children specifically with cancer, so they don't do anything like this. Email and call your senators and congressmen. If we can pass $700 Billion stimulus - can't we spare a measly $1.5 million??

Lilly says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 7:22 PM

I don't think that you could transplant your heart to anothers because whouldnt you die when your heart is removed at the very first 2nd? BTW I really do care

Jim says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 5:35 PM

FOLKS THIS IS NOT A SCAM, I HAVE EMAIL'D CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MYSELF, LOOK AT "anMD" COMMENT SHE IS EXACTLY RIGHT, THIS FAMILY IS OUTSIDE THE 4 STATE COVERAGE AREA FOR THIS FACILITY. THIS JUST MAKES ME SICK, WHY IS THAT ONLY THE POOR PEOPLE CARE.

Erin says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 5:26 PM

Donate at: http://laithdougherty.info/

Frank K. says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 5:25 PM

I would forward this news story to the other Washington,Here is a classic example of that unseen board of directors who make the decisions, Selective heath care is more of a danger than no health care. Frank K. Tacoma, Wa

Nee Hartness says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 4:49 PM

We need info where to donate for this childs transplant.

Laura Leitao says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 4:23 PM

Please tell me where to donate for this childs transplant.

JD - OHIO says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 4:14 PM

THIS MAKES ME SICK!! THIS COUNTRY HAS GONE TO THE GREEDY DOGS. WE KNOW ABOUT IT IN OHIO NOW. CHECK WITH AKRON CHILDRENS HOSPITALS. I PRAY THAT BIG HEARTS TRUMP GREED AND SHAME ON THAT HOSPITAL IN OREGON.

megan says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 4:08 PM

this is so sad! this is exactly why money is horrible! money shouldn't ever be more important than a life! this is terrible. i can't grasp the concept of leaving a helpless child to die. childrens hospital is turning them away? that just sickens me!

VINCE FROM NEW JERSEY says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 3:54 PM

SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND HELP THIS BOY . AN ACTOR , MUSICIAN , OR SOMEONE WITH WEALTH TO GIVE THIS BOY THE CHANCE IN LIFE THAT WE ALL RECEIVED . THE SURGEONS COULD DO IT FREE , WOW!!! HOW ABOUT THAT THEORY . A DOCTOR DO SOMETHING BY THERE HEART!!

Mother says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 3:53 PM

Bottom line is that there is no way you can make me believe that a hospital would tell a family "sorry unless you have 1.5 million dollars we can't help your child survive". Who realistically has just 1.5 million dollars sitting around.

an MD says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 3:51 PM

This is a legit story. BTW Seattle is the only facility in the local area that does pediatric heart transplants and they have issued a statement that they have NO funding for this child. So I put my money where my mouth is and donated. You should too

Stephanie says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 3:40 PM

In these tough times many have lost their jobs and homes. It is sad to me that many have also lost thier heart. If you dont want to make a donation - then dont. Why must we accuse them of a scam? Money could be sent to the hospital.

Stephanie says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 3:38 PM

I dont know if this is a scam or not, but how horrible would it be if it is NOT and a child dies. I'm sure that the parents have done thier homework, as well as the news channel that present this story.

Carrie says ... on Wednesday, Feb 25 at 10:31 AM

There are clearly gaps in this this little scam. Childrens Hospital NEVER refuses patients because of lack of ability to pay. Treatment is available in the home area too. In these hard times what better way to make a few bucks with a dying baby story

Erinamondo says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 9:45 PM

This family is checking out anything and everything!!! St. Jude's and Seattle have been cancelled out! They are doing ALL the homework and thensome, they don't sleep! They had proper insurance and it's not cutting it, but yet Octoplet mom's covered

anMD says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 8:14 PM

If you look at the website OHSU does all pediatric cardiothoracic procedures EXCEPT heart transplants. And Seattle Children's released a statement that they do not have funding to cover families living outside Wash/Montana/Idaho/Alaska

PICU RN says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 6:55 PM

This story seems far fetched. For one thing, there is a hospital in Ore that does Pediatric heart transplants. Secondly, Children's Hospital in Seattle NEVER turns away children in need. I am a PICU RN and have a very hard time believing this story

Mother says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 3:14 PM

I know a nurse at Childrens and there is NO WAY POSSIBLE that Childrens would not save a childs life because of a familys inability to pay. 1.5 million up front!! Come on now!! This is a sick scam.

Dee Dee says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 2:19 PM

Children's Hospital of Seattle never turns a child away due to the families inability to pay for medical treatment - that is why they have the uncompensated care fund!!!!!! Something is definitely not kosher here!!

Anonymous says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 12:41 PM

This is absolutely ridiculous...if they had no health coverage at all he would get admitted and get the transplant that he needs to survive. This is just another prime example of how wonderful our healthcare system is!!!

Cheryl says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 12:29 PM

I thought that Children's turns No child away. I am now seeing that is just not the case.

Nancy says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 12:22 PM

I don't think OHSU does heart transplants for infants. This may not be their specialty. What family expects to have to come up with $1.5 million to keep their child alive. What this country needs is a revamp of health care!!!!

Lynn in Houston says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 11:51 AM

Why don't you take him to St Judes? They surely won't charge you $1.5. I will pray for you and your precisious little boy. Please consider St Judes they have saved so many precisious lives. Your little sweetheart deserves to be one of them.

anon says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 11:50 AM

http://www.ohsu.edu/health/meet-our-staff/doctors/results.cfm?condition_id=11971&specialty_id=13630&service_group=

Mom of a special needs child... says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 11:36 AM

Something is not right with this story - Seattle Children's treats children whether or not the family can pay - they have a very large uncompensated care fund. Either this is a scam or the family has not done their homework.

Kate says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 9:49 AM

Shelly, But do they do PEDIATRIC transplants? Children this young, this small, require specialized treatment and doctors who are experienced with the especially young. That's WHY they need to go to a Children's Hospital.

Kate says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 8:36 AM

Astounding...I am absolutely appalled by Children's Hospital's treatment of this helpless infant and his parents. Since when is MONEY more important than that LIFE of an innocent child? Isn't that what their fundraisers are for?

shelly says ... on Tuesday, Feb 24 at 5:40 AM

There is something wrong here, i looked on ohsu web page and they DO do cardiac transplants there, the transplant cordinator is John Caster, director is Dr. Song, and pediactric m.d. on the transplant team is dr. Armsby. again something not right!