Omaha, Nebraska – True, a nine-year-vintage boy, is thriving with his new parents, Dr. Amy Beethe and Ryan Beethe, after a journey that began with a critical heart condition and a solitary hospital stay. Dr. Beethe, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children’s Nebraska, ultimately adopted True after meeting him even as he was undergoing treatment for hypoplastic right heart syndrome, a condition where the right side of the heart is underdeveloped.
When Dr. Beethe first encountered True at age four, he was alone in his hospital bed awaiting surgery. The image, she said, stayed with her. She shared her concern with her husband, Ryan, and the couple soon visited True in the hospital. “We went up and met True in the hospital and immediately fell in love with him,” Ryan Beethe told sources. By February 2021, just a month after True’s surgery, he moved in with the family, and the adoption was finalized shortly after.
True’s early life was marked by significant medical challenges. Born with a severe heart defect, he faced major surgery at a young age without family present. Dr. Beethe’s decision to adopt him stemmed from a deep connection formed during his care. “He’s truly become my son. I would battle for him like anybody else when it comes to his health,” Dr. Beethe stated. She described herself as a “mama bear” fiercely protective of his well-being.
The Beethe family has expanded to include True’s sister, who was likewise adopted by them, while other siblings have found homes with close friends and family, ensuring the children remain connected. Despite the initial surgery, True will eventually require a heart transplant. The family is currently focused on providing him with love, support, and care as he navigates his ongoing medical needs.
“We don’t love True’s heart disease. We realize it had a bigger purpose, so it was meant to be,” Dr. Beethe said. True himself embodies a resilient spirit, stating simply, “Keep going and don’t stop,” as he continues to embrace life with determination and hope.
