Chance was among the lucky ones: He was judged a good candidate for surgery. Chance was a portrait of misery; Alphonsine was holding back tears. Hospital officials had refused to admit Chance unless Alphonsine paid a fee — which she did not have. I pulled out my cellphone and called Team Heart. A nurse appointed Alphonsine to watch Elina’s oxygen monitor and call for help if the reading fell below a certain level.

Source: New York Times September 16, 2018 07:07 UTC