Warminster resident, transplant recipient hopes to give back to children
Montgomery Media | Caitlin Burns
Warminster resident and soon-to-be nurse Caitlin McAllister didn’t have the normal childhood. Since a young age, she has dealt with organ failure and transplantation. After graduating from Jefferson School of Nursing May 29, McAllister hopes to provide the care to the children she closely understands and show them that there is hope.
“I think the adolescent group is who I relate to more,†McAllister said. “When you’re older... it isn’t as easy being in the hospital.â€
McAllister, who currently works as a sitter at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said as a child she didn’t mind being in the hospital. She said there are many instances she actually liked it. However, she remembers in her pre-teen and throughout her teenage years disliking being there since she couldn’t hang out with friends or explore the new opportunities growing up provides.
“When you’re younger they make it very fun for you,†McAllister said, “but then with the adolescents, they’re like I just want to get out of here.â€
At the age of 2, McAllister became sick. While McAllister’s pediatrician told her parents she probably had the flu, she became so ill her mother rushed her to the emergency room. There doctors tested for many diseases, including meningitis. However, all tests came back negative. Doctors from CHOP were called in and McAllister was transferred. Once at CHOP, they discovered she had failure in both kidneys.
“I think the adolescent group is who I relate to more,†McAllister said. “When you’re older... it isn’t as easy being in the hospital.â€
McAllister, who currently works as a sitter at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said as a child she didn’t mind being in the hospital. She said there are many instances she actually liked it. However, she remembers in her pre-teen and throughout her teenage years disliking being there since she couldn’t hang out with friends or explore the new opportunities growing up provides.
“When you’re younger they make it very fun for you,†McAllister said, “but then with the adolescents, they’re like I just want to get out of here.â€
At the age of 2, McAllister became sick. While McAllister’s pediatrician told her parents she probably had the flu, she became so ill her mother rushed her to the emergency room. There doctors tested for many diseases, including meningitis. However, all tests came back negative. Doctors from CHOP were called in and McAllister was transferred. Once at CHOP, they discovered she had failure in both kidneys.
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To register as a donor in California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net
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