Thomas S. - Quilt Finished in 2008

Born: December 10, 2000

Illness: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Single Ventricle

A Thank You From Thomas' Family!

June 2, 2008

OH MY WORD!!! We just received the quilt and I am in tears!

I am so humbled by the generosity and time it took the talented individuals who created this beautiful quilt and set it aside for our Tommy!  The look on his face was worth so much as he jumped up and down in excitement and studied each and every square with the NFL team and then read the name of the quilter and the state they were from!

Thank you just does not seem like enough to express our appreciation for the beautiful gift!

He will have it in his room and we will treasure it very much.  Thank you and God's Blessings to you and everyone involved in this ministry of LOVE!

Colleen and Thomas

Thomas S.'s Story

Written by Thomas' mom in May 2008

Tommy was born with a severe congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At seven days old he underwent his first open heart surgery. The next open heart surgery he had was at five months old and the third, and what we thought to be his final, at the age of 20 months. Around the age of four he experienced further complications with a valve in his heart and this meant a fourth open heart surgery. One year later the valve repair failed and he had a fifth open heart surgery to put in a mechanical valve. Five weeks post op, something unimaginable occurred. He was in for a routine post surgical check up and from his echo the doctors were shocked to see that the new valve had clotted off and shut down. Miraclously his underdeveloped left side took on the new large load and began profusing his body effectively.

Tommy was able to go home, take his meds, go to the doctor for observation and 'do life' as a normal young boy. Most recently, this year, at the age of seven, he has unfortunately been experiencing more symptoms of heart failure and is currently being evaluated for being listed for a heart transplant. It has been a long journey but we are blessed with our Christian faith, the love and support of friends and a local support group to get us through one day at a time. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and bringing comfort to our son (he loves his 'blankets', ...and sports, so this one will be extra special to him I'm sure!)