Episode 271 - THE 9-11 TRANSPLANT
In an emotional episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield shares a deeply personal story, opening up about the intense fear and helplessness he experienced watching his nine-month-old daughter struggle with RSV, setting a poignant backdrop for the episode's main narrative. This episode then transitions into an awe-inspiring tale of human determination and the power of collaboration in the face of adversity.
Set against the backdrop of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, Hadfield recounts the story of a six-month-old girl in Houston, Texas, in urgent need of a liver transplant. With her condition deteriorating rapidly, hope arrives in the form of a donor liver from Nashville, Tennessee. However, the tragic events of 9/11, which led to the grounding of all flights, threatened to derail the organ's transportation and, with it, the girl's chance at life.
In a remarkable demonstration of resolve and ingenuity, Jill Granados, director of donor services in Tennessee, spearheads an effort to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacle posed by the nationwide flight ban. Through a series of urgent phone calls and the mobilization of the Tennessee Air National Guard, permission is secured to fly the organ from Nashville to Houston on a C-130 Hercules, marking the plane's journey as one of the day's only flights.
This episode highlights the extraordinary lengths to which individuals and organizations went to ensure the organ's delivery, emphasizing the episode's broader message about finding a sense of mission and purpose beyond oneself. Hadfield invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to identify and pursue goals that transcend personal ambition, illustrating how a united effort towards a common goal can defy the odds, even in the most dire of circumstances.
Tune in to this powerful episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment" for a story of hope, resilience, and the incredible impact of collective action in saving a young life amidst one of the darkest days in American history.
