A Child's Song - The Story of Jeremiah Gibbs

Sometimes a song is just a simple expression of the heart. 

Sometimes the singer touches us with words that ring true and reach the very core of what’s important in life. Sometimes the most perfect song comes from a child or the mother who loves him. This is the blessing a singer can bestow upon the world.

One Such Singer

Jeremiah Gibbs is a vibrant, funny three-year-old boy who was born with T.A.R Syndrome. For him, this means that he was born without arms, and cannot walk normally. Despite his physical difficulties, he is a wonderful, exuberant, and innovative child.

T.A.R. is short for Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius Syndrome. What it means in layman terms is that Jeremiah requires occasional blood platelet transfusions and has fused kidneys. He has no arms and has multiple leg abnormalities. And yet, Jeremiah has found innovative ways to handle the daily tasks most of us take for granted, such as eating, brushing his teeth, getting around and interacting with his preschool friends. Jeremiah has made some amazing adaptations, but he cannot walk which makes getting around outside and keeping up with other children very difficult.

The Power of Music

Jeremiah loves music and loves to sing. This past weekend, I attended a fundraiser for Jeremiah in Tacoma, WA. to help raise money for a service dog, a power chair and a van that will be equipped to handle the power chair. These are basic things Jeremiah will need to help him function and help to enrich his life.

The fundraiser was full of music. Bands and individuals offering their gifts to help raise funds and provide inspiration. Miss Wheel Chair Washington, Jenny Adams, was in attendance and particularly inspirational in her musical performances. Click on the link to see the video.

But perhaps the highlight of the evening was Jeremiah himself and his rendition of “Now I Man My ABC’s”. Following his performance, his mother, Taylor, sat Jeremiah up on a stool and sang “Blackbird” to him. Now, I am a tainted, old performer, but when Taylor sang the simple words, “take these broken wings and learn to fly,” with Jeremiah listening on, I was moved. A simple song – a young mother's commitment - a poignant moment. That’s the power of music and the human voice.

YOU CAN HELP

You can keep the song going and contribute to the ongoing welfare of young Jeremiah Gibbs by visiting http://www.gofundme.com/wwwsummitdogsorg. Thank you.