Anesthesiologist Adopts Foster Child Who Arrived Alone for Heart Surgery

A heartwarming story unfolded in Omaha, Nebraska, when a 4-year-old foster child named True was adopted by the anesthesiologist who cared for him during a critical heart surgery. The adoption was extended to include True’s older sister, Laney, to keep the siblings together.

A Lone Patient

In January 2022, True arrived at Children’s Nebraska hospital for heart surgery with no adult accompanying him. His caseworker was unable to be present due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, leaving True to face the procedure alone. Amy Beethe, a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist, was deeply moved by the situation.

A Doctor’s Compassion

Dr. Beethe was struck by True’s vulnerability and took the time to connect with him during his hospital stay. She described being surprised that a child so young was undergoing such a serious operation without any family support. Recognizing True’s need for a stable and loving home, Dr. Beethe and her husband, Ryan, decided to foster him.

A Growing Family

Within a month of his surgery, True was living with the Beethe family, who had previously fostered and adopted three children. The Beethes officially adopted True and, recognizing the importance of keeping siblings together, also adopted his older sister, Laney. The family now consists of eight children – three biological and five adopted.

Ongoing Medical Needs

True, who was born with congenital heart disease, had previously undergone one open-heart surgery and required additional treatment due to complications. He has since undergone three heart operations, and the family continues to provide him with the care he needs while he awaits a potential donor heart.

A Network of Support

The Beethes’ commitment to True and Laney extends beyond their immediate family. Two of True and Laney’s other siblings were adopted by a colleague of Dr. Beethe’s, and another sibling found a home with Dr. Beethe’s sister, while another was adopted by Ryan Beethe’s brother, creating a supportive network for all the children.

Nine-year-old True expressed his happiness, telling a television station, “They are my mom and dad.”