Q. What organs did Othello have transplanted?
A. Othello received a multi-visceral transplant. It included a stomach, liver, small intestine, spleen and pancreas.
Q. What is histiocytosis?
A. Histiocytosis is a generic term that refers to an increase in the number of histiocytes, a type of white blood cell, that act as scavengers to remove foreign material from the blood and tissues. It is not cancer, but is treated as such... For more in depth information click here
Q. What are neutrophils?
A. A component of the White BLood Cells that is repsonsible for attacking and eliminating infections. For more info click here.
Q. What is GVHD?
A. Graft versus Host Disease, or GVHD, is when the graft (the donor organs) attack the host (Othello).
Q. How are they treating Othello for GVHD?
A. The Dr. is lowering his immunosuppressants (prograf, medrol) so that his immune system can respond and hopefully counteract the attack.
Q. What does Othello's rash from GVHD look like?
A. It is red, scaley and alligator like. It covers a lot of his body. See the picture in the column on the left!
Q. Why did Othello need a transplant?
A. Othello was born with an anomaly occurring in about 1 in every 30,000 births called gastroschisis. His intestines were on the outside of his abdomen and had to be removed at 4 days old. Most of these cases can be repaired; Othello was not one of them. Because of this, he was given nutrition intravenously with TPN (or Hyper-al). This kept him alive, but it damaged his liver severly.
Q. How long was Othello on the list?
A. Othello waited 5 months on the list. He was listed in November of 2002.
Q. How long has/will Othello be in the hospital?
A. Othello has spent aprox. 6 and a half months in the hospital.
(2 and 1/2 in the NICU, went home for 5 and a half and months, had a few short stays in hospital, then 1 and 1/2 pre-transplant PICU, then 2 months post-transplant PICU,PMSCU,PTSU.)
Q. How can I help Othello?
A. By sending your love, support, prayers and thoughts his way. You can also donate blood at any Fl/Ga blood alliance in his name to account 7993. Also, an estimated $150,000 is needed for Othellos transplant expenses, which include some post-transplant care. Tax-deductible donations may be made in person at any Wachovia Bank branch location or mailed to the Childrens Organ Transplant Association, 2501 COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. Checks or money orders are made payable to COTA for Othello S. with account number 3000028818585 written in the memo space. Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.cota.org.
Q. How much do you need to raise? How much have you raised?
A. $150,000 is needed for Othello's transplant and transplant related exenses. We have generated approx. 18,000 through fundraisers and donations, thus far. We really need to generate more funds. If you would like to help, refer to the paragraph above. org.
Q. Where can I get more information on Organ Donation?
A. Great question! I recommend everyone be an organ donor!!For more info go to: WWW.UNOS.ORG !!!!!
Q. How did Othello get his name? What does it mean?
A. Othello's fathers grandfathers name was Otto. Mom said "You aren't calling my kid Otto; find what that is short for!" So, dad researched and found that Othello was derived from Otto... Othello means: wealth, fortune, prosperous, From the German name Otto.
Q. Does Othello have siblings?
A. Yes, Othello has a 5 year old BIG brother. His name is Sebastian. To learn more, go to the My family page.
Q. When is Othello's Birthday?
A. Othello was born on June 23, 2002 at 10:07 p.m.
Q. Where can I send letters and things to Othello?
A.
Othello Smith
PMB 127
3832-010 Baymeadows Rd.
32217
Q. I have donated to his account and I would like to help you pay for allothello.com, how can I do that?
A. Please note that this is not othello's fundraising account. This is strictly to maintain allothello.com. It costs 20.00 a month for the site plus 35 a year for the domain name. If you would still like to contribute to the site payment click the link below:
