An anesthesiologist’s decision to stay by a young patient’s side during a critical heart surgery led to an extraordinary chain of events that would ultimately provide permanent homes for six siblings who were caught in the foster care system.
Dr. Amy Beethe encountered a situation in 2022 that no child should ever face alone. True, a 5-year-old boy in need of a complex seven-hour heart procedure to treat hypoplastic right heart syndrome, arrived at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha without a single adult by his side. His caseworker had contracted COVID-19, leaving him to face major surgery completely alone.
A child facing surgery alone
The young patient was sitting in the pre-operative area by himself when Dr. Beethe found him. “He was just sitting there all alone,” she said. “No adult with him at all.”
When asked why he was by himself, True responded with three simple words: “I have no idea.”
Dr. Beethe remained with the child throughout the entire surgical procedure. After True made it through the operation and was recovering, she contacted her husband Ryan with an unusual request, despite already having six children at home.
“We need to have a talk when we get home,” she told him. “I need you to have an open mind.”
Medical necessity meets compassion
What began as an emotional response had serious medical implications. According to Dr. Jason Cole, True’s pediatric cardiologist, the child’s future survival depended on more than just surgical intervention.
True’s heart condition is progressive and will ultimately require a transplant. “Without a successful, loving home life, a patient like True with extraordinarily complex congenital heart disease would not be able to survive,” Cole said.
The stability of a permanent family wasn’t just beneficial—it was essential for True to even qualify as a transplant candidate.
Ryan Beethe acknowledged his initial hesitation but quickly came around. “It didn’t take long to hear what was needed,” he said. “And it just felt right.”
One adoption becomes six
After 18 months, True officially became part of the Beethe family. However, Dr. Beethe learned that True had five siblings who remained in an unstable living situation.
Unable to adopt all six children herself, Dr. Beethe coordinated an effort across her extended family and professional network. Her sister and brother-in-law agreed to take in TyLynn. Her sister-in-law welcomed Tyra. A colleague opened her home to Tacari and Malia. Dr. Beethe then returned to her husband with another request, which resulted in Laney joining their household as well.
Through this coordinated effort, all six siblings found permanent, loving homes within a connected network of families—an outcome that began with one healthcare professional who refused to let a frightened child face surgery alone.
WATCH: Doctor Adopts Young Patient After Seeing Him Sitting Alone for Surgery
