Jay Thomas

Jay was born on October 27, 2001. He was our fourth child and first boy. We expected a healthy baby. Jay weighed in at almost 9 pounds - he looked just like our third daughter. 12 hours after he was born he turned blue. He was transferred to a children's hospital in Rhode Island. They didn't know what was wrong with Jay but suspected cardiac problems.

Jay was then sent to Boston Children's Hospital because they had a life support machine called ECMO. Jay was put on it and stayed on it for 11 days. They just couldn't pinpoint the problem. They finally took him to the cath lab and found an ASD. We were thrilled - what an easy fix - so we thought.   Jay had his surgery and did well. He recovered slowly and arrested a couple times—always coming right back to us. He was officially diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. A pacemaker was placed. Jay then came home for three months after being hospitalized for 4-1/2 months.

We were back in May. He arrested in Boston in the E.R. Jay has made a habit out of being in the right place at the right time. Jay was listed for a transplant and a different pacemaker was placed. We remained in the C.I.C.U for the long wait. It was 82 days later that Jay was given the best gift of all - his new heart! He is doing great with his new heart.