On December 23rd, tension in the operating room at Monaldi Hospital in Naples escalated as two-and-a-half-year-old Domenico awaited urgent heart surgery. Everything appeared to be on track until the medical team discovered that the heart organ shipped from Bolzano had frozen into a solid block of ice, creating a dire situation. Nurses and doctors made frantic attempts to thaw the heart using cold, then warm, and finally hot water in a desperate effort before moving ahead with the transplant despite the challenges.

The chief surgeon, Guido Oppido, faced a critical decision given the lack of alternatives, ultimately opting to proceed with the transplant operation. This narration sheds light on the extreme circumstances surrounding organ transplants, particularly when timing and organ viability are key factors. The heartbreaking dilemma illustrates the emotional and professional pressures experienced by medical staff working in high-stakes situations, especially involving young patients.

Accounts from three nurses from the hospital further detail the tragic yet heroic efforts to save Domenico's life. Their testimonies highlight the intense experiences that health workers endure in such critical moments, reminding us of both the vulnerabilities of young patients and the relentless dedication of healthcare professionals in Italy's operating rooms.