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Gloucester toddler who underwent heart transplant 'doing great'
(Globe file photo)
Jackson Altieri before the operation.
By Kathy McCabe, Globe Staff
A Gloucester toddler whose battle with a heart condition sparked an outpouring of support in his community is "doing great" as he recovers at Children's Hospital from a heart transplant, his grandfather said today.
"He's always laughing. No matter what they do to him, he's always smiling," said Fran Aliberte, grandfather of Jackson Altieri.
"He's just like any normal 18-month-old, except he has a new heart," Aliberte said.
Jackson, who had a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, underwent his transplant last week. He was one of two Gloucester boys with heart conditions who inspired sympathy this year.
J.J. Nicastro, a 12-year-old Little Leaguer, died July 12 at Children's before he could receive a transplant. He had been stricken suddenly in June with myocarditis.
The community responded to the boys' plight with a public campaign called "Two Hearts, One Gloucester" that held blood and organ donor drives and organized a fund raising concert, Globe North reports today.
