The Region - News from June 18, 1986

Baby Jesse is taking nourishment by mouth and progressing well since receiving a new heart, Loma Linda University Medical Center officials said. “(His) heart function has been excellent without need for stimulants,” spokeswoman Jayne McGill said. Jesse Sepulveda, born May 25, took nourishment by mouth during the weekend for the first time since he received the heart of a brain-dead Michigan baby June 10 after hospital officials reversed themselves and agreed to perform the transplant. A hospital advisory committee earlier had turned down the baby as a transplant candidate because of concern that his young, unwed parents might not be able to provide postoperative care. The parents finally gave legal custody to Jesse’s paternal grandparents.