For Lisa and Mikel Whiting, CHOC 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 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.
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.
More stories about CHOC patients:
Ringing in the new year cancer-free
Skinnier arms and legs and exhaustion to the point of taking naps. These were the initial signs that left Jamie wondering if there was something wrong with her 5-year-old son, Jacob. Weeks ...CHOC patient fulfills a final wish, shaves favorite CHOC staffer’s head
Daya Tamayo grabbed the electric clippers and prepared to go to town. “Could you remove the white hair too?” joked Jaime Serna, a CHOC staff member. Daya beamed as she began to ...Navigating an epilepsy diagnosis and surgery: Geni’s story
Life was proceeding right on schedule for self-described “drama kid” Genevieve Masson. The 16-year-old, who goes by “Geni,” went to class, hung out with friends and spent time rehearsing musical ...