March 13, 2000
It's 7 am and Anthony Hardman is back at Primary Children's Medical Center for yet another surgery. This is his 11th major operation for a congenital condition known as Larsen Syndrome. He suffers from multiple joint dislocations. He's in a lot of pain all the time.
Anthony Hardman/Larsen Syndrome: "MY NECK AND MY BACK AND THE LOWER PART OF MY BACK... HURTS A LOT."
Today, the surgeon will replace a rod that runs from halfway up his spine into his hips.
Julie Hardman/ Anthony's Mom: "A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, IN ONE OF HIS SPINE SURGERY'S HE LOST THE USE OF HIS LEFT ARM, THEY HIT A NERVE AND HE CAN'T USE THAT LEFT HAND ANYMORE. IT'S LIKE, DOES THAT BOTHER YOU ANYMORE AND HE SAYS, NO, I'VE GOT ANOTHER ONE. IT'S NOT BIG DEAL. HE DOESN'T HAVE A LEG, IT'S NO BIG DEAL."
But doctors told the family they are close to the point where they can no longer help Anthony.
The family is becoming realistic that Anthony's time is limited. He says he's happy and he's sad.
Anthony: "I'M HAPPY THAT I MIGHT DIE. I DON'T REALLY WANT TO LIVE. AND I'M SAD BECAUSE I MIGHT LIVE. 'CAUSE I'M IN SO MUCH PAIN AND I CAN'T WALK AND I WANNA GO SEE MY DAD."
Anthony's father died from a heart attack three years ago. He misses him, says he can't wait to see him again.
But whatever happens in the future,
mother and son will remain close. They've always been there for each other.
Julie: "HE'S BEEN GREAT. I MEAN I COULDN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING BETTER. IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN, I'D DO IT IN A HEARTBEAT. WE HAVE NO REGRETS."
Anthony: "I DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT. I DON'T KNOW, I KINDA THINK I'M SPECIAL BECAUSE I HAVE A MOM LIKE THAT."
