Family grateful as boy recovers from heart transplant

Jackson Altieri, a toddler and one of two Gloucester boys whose battle with rare heart conditions prompted a public campaign for organ donation, is recovering from heart transplant surgery at Children's Hospital in Boston.

"He's proceeding along," said Fran Aliberte, his maternal grandfather. "My wife and I went up to see him. He was sitting up in bed reading an Elmo book. . . . He gave us a wave and a half-smile. It was the happiest day of our lives."

Jackson, age 18 months, had dilated cardiomyopathy almost since birth. Since June 15, when he was placed on a heart transplant list, he's been living at the hospital with his parents, Nicole and Mark Altieri. A toddler's heart became available on Oct. 7. Jackson's surgery started at 11:30 p.m., concluding at about 4:30 a.m. the next day, Aliberte said.

"We are so thankful to the donor family," said Aliberte, noting the donor's identity is not known. "We will always be so grateful."

Jackson was one of two boys from Gloucester admitted to Children's Hospital for a heart transplant. But J.J. Nicastro, a 12-year-old Little Leaguer, died on July 12 at Children's before he could receive a transplant. He was suddenly stricken in June with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart.

The boys' plight sparked a public campaign called "Two Hearts, One Gloucester," which held blood and organ donor drives, and a fund-raising concert in August. Hundreds of Gloucester residents donated blood. Thousands more attended the benefit concert that featured "American Idol" finalist Ayla Brown.

"The money raised has really helped Nicole and Mark," said Aliberte, whose son and daughter-in-law have not worked since Jackson was admitted to the hospital. "Everyone in Gloucester has been wonderful."

Aliberte hopes Jackson's recovery encourages more infant organ donation. He is working with Gloucester legislators to write a bill that would create a children's organ donor list for Massachusetts. Parents of dying children are often too distraught to consider organ donation. A donor list would allow them to make a more rational decision, he said.

"It would be optional," Aliberte said. "Even if a small amount of people do it, maybe a life can be saved."

Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com