Orvar Swenson

I am deeply sad to learn of Dr. Swenson's death. I was one of his first patients--perhaps indeed his very first Hirschsprungs patient--at Children's Hospital, Boston. He had not yet developed his "pull through" technique at the time, and as a result he did a complete colectomy on me in 1947. As a result, I am one of the first to survive Hirschsprungs and I owe him my life. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful surgeon.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Swenson's passing.
As a infant from Waterville Maine I was born with Herschsprungs disease. My mother persistently sought several second opinions about my symptoms and found her way to the Boston Floating hospital.
Surgery was performed by Dr. Swenson and I am now 58 and healthy.
I had a follow up meeting in 1972 for a medical journal he was writing.
I owe my life to him and his surgical technique in 1954.
Rest in peace

I just wanted to give your family my condolences for your father. He was a great man. Back in 1965 I was brought to Children's Memorial Hospital. He did several surgeries on me,for I was the first baby to survive having my esphogas reconnected thru the back. On his 100th birthday I got the pleasure to speak to him and thanked him for everything he did for me. He was very happy to speak to me and invited me to visit him, unfortunately I never got a chance. I'll share a funny story that I'll never forget, My father would tell him all the time she never eats, I remeber like it was yesterday; Mr. Eisen when she gets hunger she will eat. My family and loved ones will be greatful forever.
Monica Eisen
Chicago, IL

48 years ago we met Dr. Swenson when we took our newborn, David, to Chicago from Oklahoma - his gentle genius guided us through many surgeries for many years to repair David's bladder exstrophy. We laughed, met his wonderful wife, and both of his daughters along the way. Dr. and Mrs. Swenson took a particular interest in David and we were invited to visit them in Maine, and aboard his boat in Florida. Our sorrow is that we lost touch with them some years ago--had no idea he still lived until now. The counsel he gave us when he sent us home for a few days from Chicago after one of the month-long stays (no pediatrician in our small Okla. community) with cast, tubes etc. simply saying "David's father and brother are home--you need each other and you can do it" gave us the strengh to actually do it. David was one of his artificial sphincter tries --we just all adored him. Dave is now a healthy father of three, successful owner of his own business in Houston and gives the credit to Dr. Swenson. Those sparkling bright blue eyes, his humor and his intellect--We join the world of medicine saddened by the loss of that fine physician and caring human. Mary Jane and Jim Thompson, Norman, Oklahoma

Dear Elsa:

I was saddened to learn of your dear father's passing and I hasten to send you and your family my heartfelt sympathy.

I have very fond memories of your father at Children's Memorial Hospital.

Although there is little one can say or do at a time like this, I hope the kind wishes of your friends will help ease your burden.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Lynn Orschel

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of of Dr. Swenson. Your father saved our son's life 43 years ago. We are very grateful for his Swensons Pull Through.