Family Voices Concern as Young Girl Is Denied Heart Transplant Listing Due to Vaccination Status

A mother is raising alarms after her 12-year-old daughter was reportedly denied a spot on the heart transplant list at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, primarily due to her vaccination status. Jeneen Deal expressed her frustration and concern for her daughter, Adaline, who was born with two critical heart conditions.

A Challenging Adoption Journey

The Deals, who adopted Adaline from China, faced significant challenges during the adoption process. Initially, they were informed by the adoption agency that they should consider adopting another child, as Adaline’s health was perceived as critically compromised. “Her heart was so bad, she wasn’t going to make it,” they stated on a GoFundMe campaign.

Despite the warnings, the Deals chose to support Adaline, believing strongly in her potential for recovery. After some time, they were delighted to find she was still available for adoption. They brought her home, where she thrived and developed, despite her ongoing medical challenges.

Declining Health and Hospital Admissions

Recently, however, Adaline’s health has taken a turn for the worse. Jeneen Deal reported that her daughter’s condition has deteriorated over the past few months. “Since we brought her home, she’s been in and out of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital,” Jeneen explained. “She has grown so much that now her heart can’t sustain her. She is now to the point where she will be needing a heart transplant.”

Vaccination Requirements for Transplant Eligibility

Compounding the family’s distress, Stephanie Stock, president of Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, shared that hospital staff indicated vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza are prerequisite for being placed on the transplant list. “The doctors at Cincinnati Children’s told us that one of the requirements to be put on the list is to have the COVID vaccination and the flu vaccination,” Deal relayed. The family holds strong beliefs against such mandates.

Seeking Religious Exemption

The Deals requested a religious exemption from the vaccination requirement, but the hospital declined their request, citing established transplant policies. Stock criticized these policies, claiming they discriminate against vulnerable patients like Adaline. “I can’t think of anything more horrible than denying a child a heart transplant or a kidney because of their vaccination status,” she stated.

Hoping to Change Hospital Policies

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jeneen Deal expressed the family’s desperation. “We really don’t have many options,” she lamented. They remain hopeful that the hospital will reconsider its approach. The family has yet to receive formal documentation regarding the denial, and no legal actions have commenced as of now.

Adaline’s Awareness of Her Condition

Though Adaline faces cognitive delays, her mother revealed that she is perceptive of her situation. “She knows mom is upset, and she knows something’s going on,” Deal described. Adaline’s diminishing health affects her daily life, and she expresses empathy towards her mother during these challenging times.

Faith Amidst the Struggles

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the Deal family remains resilient and faithful. Jeneen continues to reassure Adaline, affirming, “God’s going to get us through this.” They hope for a resolution, particularly regarding their appeal for a religious exemption from vaccination mandates.

Safety Protocols at Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital released a statement emphasizing that clinical decisions are based on extensive research and best practices. “At Cincinnati Children’s, clinical decisions are guided by science, research, and best practices,” they stated. They strive to create tailored care plans in collaboration with families to ensure safe and effective treatments.

A Community Rallying for Support

In light of the family’s plight, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid in financing the heart transplant process. As they navigate these turbulent times, the Deal family is grateful for the support and advocacy they have received, which continues to highlight Adaline’s urgent need for medical assistance.