News Summary
Mindy Wilson of Asheville is raising awareness for pediatric organ donation as her son, Wilson Perry, urgently awaits a lung transplant. After a serious medical condition caused by a rare reaction to strep throat led to multiple hospitalizations, Perry is now on an ECMO machine. The Wilson family emphasizes the dire need for pediatric organ donors, especially during National Pediatric Transplant Week. Community support through fundraisers highlights the importance of raising awareness about organ donation in saving children’s lives.
Asheville – Mindy Wilson, an Asheville mother, is working to raise awareness about pediatric organ donation as her six-year-old son, Wilson Perry, awaits a life-saving lung transplant. Perry’s urgent need for new lungs is critical; he has not slept at home for over a year due to severe medical conditions affecting his respiratory system.
Wilson Perry’s struggles began with a routine illness. In July of the previous year, he was diagnosed with strep throat, a common illness that typically responds well to antibiotics. However, in Perry’s case, the prescribed antibiotics did not alleviate his symptoms, leading to his hospitalization at Mission Hospital. After two and a half days of treatment, Perry exhibited concerning symptoms, including skin peeling and difficulty breathing, which resulted in his transfer to the Patient Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at UNC Chapel Hill.
After thorough examination, Perry was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin reaction that can be triggered by infections or medications. Fortunately, his skin condition improved, but his respiratory challenges persisted. To assist with his breathing, he was placed on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which helps to take over the lungs’ functions by providing oxygen to the blood.
Following more than a month of intensive care at UNC Chapel Hill, Perry was life-flighted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for advanced treatment. At Cincinnati, healthcare providers switched him to a larger ECMO machine designed to enhance oxygen flow; however, his heart struggled to pump blood effectively to his lungs. By Thanksgiving, it became increasingly apparent to Mindy Wilson that her son would need a lung transplant to survive, underscoring the urgency of his medical situation.
Currently, a dedicated caregiver is monitoring Perry around the clock to ensure his safety while he remains on the ECMO machine. As of now, Perry is reportedly doing well, making progress by being able to walk around the hospital with assistance, thanks to a newer ECMO machine that is improving his condition.
In response to the significant financial burden their family faces during this challenging time, various community fundraisers have been organized to support them. Notably, a recent donation event at Soul Summit Spa contributed 25% of the day’s sales to aid the family. In March, Perry was officially placed on the lung transplant list, further emphasizing the need for community awareness and action regarding pediatric organ donation.
As Mindy Wilson reflects on her time with her son, she expresses deep concern over the shortage of pediatric organ donations. She worries that this shortage, combined with the complexities of Perry’s medical condition, may extend his wait for a suitable donor. The Wilson family aims to raise awareness about pediatric organ donation issues, especially during National Pediatric Transplant Week. They hope that by sharing Perry’s story, they can inspire others to consider the importance of organ donation in saving children’s lives.
Mindy Wilson’s efforts spotlight a critical issue affecting many families across the nation, as the need for pediatric organ donors continues to grow. Through their advocacy, the Wilson family hopes to bring much-needed attention to this life-saving cause and encourage more people to register as organ donors.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Mother Advocates for Pediatric Organ Donation
- Mountain X: Letter Raising Awareness as Son Waits for Transplant
- Ponte Vedra Recorder: Local Teen Creates National Book Drive Initiative
- USA Today: How to Help Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Organ Donation
- Google Search: Pediatric Organ Donation
- Google News: Asthma in Children
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
