Sammy runs in heaven today . . .

[les527]

I don't post as much these days as I did in the past, but I still read messages as often as I can.

I wanted to let all of you know that my little Sammy passed away on Monday night. Sammy was four years old, and he received his trach at three months. www.Tracheostomy.com and this message board have taught me so much and I am so very grateful for all of the wonderful advice that was just at my fingertips whenever I needed it.

Just before Christmas, Sammy had developed pancreatitis. They believe that the pancreatitis was caused by gall stones that had formed in his gall bladder. While in the hospital being treated for the pancreatitis, he became septic and developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) requiring vent support. He crashed three times on Saturday, and from that point forward, he didn't tolerate any physical stimulation at all without dropping his heart rate and O2 sats to dangerously low levels. As of Monday, his lungs were described as "rock hard". It was also believed that the sepsis was the result of a possible bowel perforation noted on bedside x-rays; however, he was too unstable to go to CT and too unstable to survive surgery.

On Monday at 10:40pm, we gave him a glorious sendoff with family, friends, doctors, and his home health nurses all at his side. We shared memories, funny stories, and we recounted all of the ways in which Sammy had LIVED.

A prenatal diagnosis of Sammy's birth defect told us that he would very likely be stillborn. We promised him then that we would never take a single day for granted and that we would make each and every day count. That was my goal and my focus, and today, I have such joy in knowing that we gave him the very best quality of life that we could. He didn't just survive, but he truly LIVED!

Leslie
http://www.sammyyammy.com

[JWorthington]

Oh Leslie, I was so sad to see the title of this thread. I am sorry to hear that Sammy has passed but I am sure he is in a much better place, where he can breathe, run, play and laugh and where there is no pain, only joy. You got to share four wonderful years of a life that many thought would never be - I am so glad he had your family to give him that life.

Sending prayers and love across the pond.

Juliexxxxx

[Mom2TwinsPlus1]

I am so sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers

[TommysDad]

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. When you are blessed with a miracle like Sammy who you thought would not live one day, but lives four years, your outlook on life changes. Now, your little miracle is playing with the rest of the Angels. Always remember the happy days. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

[aydenava]

My heart aches for your sammy & you family,thank yo for sharing him with us & now we all have one more Angel on our side. sincerly,Angie

[T-bone]

Leslie,
My heart is so heavy for you and your family. You now have your own personal angel to watch over you.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Love,
Tess

[babyhugger]

Just so sorry~ What a blessing and inspiration Sammy was and will continue to be!

[My little figther]

I am still new to this message board, but I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear that little Sammy has passed away. Remember the happy days and the joy this little boy brought to you. He is free to run, laugh and play now My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times
Michelle

[Ann]

Leslie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a beautiful and full life Sammy had.

[Kate]

Leslie-
I'm so sorry for your loss. You should be proud of the life you gave Sammy-you are right he LIVED and you can tell that by his photos on his blog.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.