October 1 , 2004

MGHers work together to make a dream come true

Lifelong Red Sox fan, Gordon Huckins, has made a home away from home on Ellison 8. Because he has been at the hospital for seven months connected to a ventricular assist device (VAD) that pumps his heart while he waits for a heart and kidney transplant, Huckins' clinical team prescribed a different kind of medicine.

According to Michelle Primo, RN, Huckins'primary nurse, he has made a great deal of progress during the past several months, but was feeling down about being hospitalized. So, Primo and the rest of his clinical team decided to do something to lift his spirits — get coveted tickets to a Red Sox game.

After several months trying to find tickets for seats with a nearby electric outlet to accommodate Huckins' VAD machine, Primo and other staff were able to score seats in the prestigious 406 Club at Fenway Park. Accompanied by three MGH staff
members, Huckins and his wife went to the Sept. 23 game against the Baltimore Orioles in style, as a stretch limousine transported the group to Fenway.

"I cannot get him the heart and kidney he needs, but with the help of many people, we have been able to give him this one gift he will remember forever," explained Primo.

Huckins was thrilled to go to the game. "The experience was great," he said. "For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like a patient. I was free at last to feel like a normal person again."

Above, from left, Primo, Huckins and his wife, Matty.