Stories

Former CHOC patient, Brant Whiting Fulfills Dream of Playing Professional Baseball

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CHOC Children'sFor Lisa and Mikel Whiting, CHOC Children’s not only saved their son’s life, but solved an eight-year mystery — allowing him to pursue dreams once thought unattainable. From infancy, Brant Whiting suffered severe asthma that caused asthma attacks every single night of his life. Brant describes the experience as trying to breathe through a straw.

One night, at age 8, Brant stopped breathing altogether and was rushed to a local hospital. Doctors said that Brant’s labs “were incompatible with life” and he might not survive the trip to CHOC Children’s in the transport ambulance. But he did, and Dr. Nick Anas, CHOC’s pediatrician-in-chief and his team worked for five hours to keep Brant alive. They succeeded. After six days in a medically induced coma on life support, Brant awoke — and survived. brant dodgers logo

In fact, not only did he survive, CHOC doctors were able to determine the underlying cause of Brant’s asthma — gastric reflux. He underwent a fundoplication procedure at CHOC, eliminating about 85 percent of his asthma symptoms. This correct diagnosis gave Brant the chance to pursue his dreams: playing professional baseball. He played catcher on Stanford University’s baseball team for four years before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. A precious life saved… and a dream fulfilled.

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thxCHOC

Thank you, Parents and Families!

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As I help CHOC Children’s celebrate its 50th anniversary, the overwhelming feeling for me and many I’ve met around the hospital is gratitude.

For me, I’m grateful for the care I received when I fell out of that tree in 1964 and the friends I’ve made ever since. So many patients I’ve met are thankful for the bright futures and milestones they’ve achieved thanks to CHOC’s care.

And CHOC’s physicians are no exception. They’re grateful for the trust that parents and families instill in them each and every day. In this video, CHOC physicians express their gratitude.

Health Features

Splash Course: Kids and Drowning

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This article was featured in the Orange County Register on August 12, 2013 and was written by Shaleek Wilson. View the full feature article and more at choc.org/health.

CHOC_08-13-2013_drowning_halfBathtubs and Buckets

A common misconception about drowning is that kids are only in danger in big bodies of water. Not true. It only takes 1 inch of water for a child to drown, making common household containers like buckets, bathtubs and large pet water bowls a hazard.

To Avoid a Life-Threatening Incident, Make the Following a Habit:

  • Never leave a child alone in the bathroom, not even for a minute
  • Empty containers with liquids
  • Close bathroom doors and install child-proof door locks
  • Keep toilet seats closed or locked

Water Safety 101

When school is out, there’s nothing children love more than to splash around in the pool. But before the fun begins, safety should come first. “If you’re a parent, you need to be trained in CPR,” says Dr. Anas. Whenever your child is in the water, assign a “Water Watcher,” to monitor the water and the child.

Floaties and Fences

Flotation devices are not a substitute for watchful eyes. If a child cannot swim, they’re at risk for drowning, says Dr. Anas. More than 1,000 children die each year from unintentional drownings.

Pool owner safety:

  • Install a four-sided, non-climbable fence with self-latching gate
  • Use pool covers; power-operated options are best
  • Alarm doors and windows leading to pool

Look Out!

Known as the “silent killer,” drowning happens quietly, quickly, and usually out of sight. When your child is in the water, someone should always be assigned to watch. “What frequently happens is someone watching a child gets distracted and the child wanders off into the pool,” says Dr. Anas. “By the time the caretaker notices, it’s too late.” Make sure you and your child’s caregiver are aware of potential pool hazards.

Fast Facts

  • The time it takes for a child to lose consciousness after water submersion: 120 Seconds
  • Percentage of drowning victims who are out of their caregiver’s sight for 5 minutes or less: 75%
  • Percentage of children who drowned aged 4 and younger: 46%

 

Dr. Nick Anas
Dr. Nick Anas
CHOC Children”s Pediatrician-in-Chief

PHYSICIAN FOCUS: DR. NICK ANAS

Dr. Anas is CHOC’s Pediatrician-in-Chief. He serves as clinical Professor for Pediatrics for the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles and as Associate Clinical Professor, Pediatrics, at UCI School of Medicine. He completed a fellowship at the University of Rochester in Pediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care. Dr. Anas’ philosophy of care: “There’s no place for ‘good’ or ‘average’ care. Families in our community have to be able to go to sleep at night knowing their children are safe.”

EDUCATION:
West Virginia University School of Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Pulmonology

More about Dr. Anas

 

Learn more about Drowning Prevention and Emergency Services at CHOC Children’s.