TrachKids.org

This site was such a gift to me when I was going through the trach ordeal with Adam that I wanted to be sure to write and post good new on it too, in the hope that it will give other parents hope, as it did for me.  Adam's trach was removed last April and I'm happy to say he is doing great.  He has only one vocal cord and sometimes gets winded faster than most children but basically he's fine in every other way.  He speaks, eats, plays and enjoys a totally normal life.  He still has the scar but I am not in a hurry to have the skin graft operation.  After what we've been through, it's so insignificant that I really don't care. 
We're a little scared because we found out our 5 year old (Adam's brother) now also needs to have his thyroid removed at the end of this month.  He too is a carrier of the thyroid cancer gene so rather than risk he get cancer, we have been advised by two doctor's (UCSF and Oakland Children's hospital) that we should have it removed.  I'm petrified given what we went through with Adam becuase his vocal cords failed.  Wish us strength and if you have a moment to pray for us in this busy holiday season, please do.  The operation is scheduled for Dec. 22nd, right before Christmas so we'll have a mellow season this year.
best, JS