10 year-old heart patient to doctor: ‘Don’t make me a Michigan fan!’
10 year-old Ivan Applin recently underwent heart surgery at the University of Michigan. His mother says that, before the procedure, Ivan had a serious issue to discuss with the doctor.
He asked if the Michigan doctors were going to make his heart love University of Michigan instead of Ohio State.
– Jennifer Applin, Ivan’s mom
The surgical team assured the little boy that he would come out of the operation loving Ohio State just as much as ever. Post-op evaluations of Ivan show that the staff was true to their word. Ivan continues to love the Buckeyes.
The Applins adopted Ivan and and their daughter Yana from a Russian orphanage five years ago. At the time, they were told that the soon-to-be OSU fan had some sort of issue with his heart, but they didn’t learn the details until they got him home.
Ivan had been born with holes in his heart that grew larger as he got older. This impacted the blood flow to his ticker and caused enlargement. The family was eventually referred to the U of M Children’s Hospital where Ivan had his surgery.
Doctors say that he will be able to run, play soccer and cheer for the Buckeyes for many, many, many years to come. (jj)
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