Thursday, August 7, 2008; Posted: 4:40 p.m. (CDT)
Manning Scott of Ochelata, Oklahoma was born July 20, 2007 and his struggle for survival began the day he was born.
Jill Clifton, a family friend, says, "You think it's the end of the world. This is your child and to watch your child suffer is probably the most difficult thing any parent will face."
Little Manning is suffering from H.L.H.S. which stands for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Vicki Whitworth, Manning's Great Aunt, says, "It's basically like he's got half a heart."
The one-year-old boy has already been through six surgeries. He's spent most of his time at OU Children's Medical Center. It's an emotional story the family is sharing to raise awareness.
Whitworth says, "The one thing we would like them to take away is the importance of being an organ donor."
"It's very difficult for some people to pray for a donor because you're essentially praying for somebody else to die," says Clifton. "Usually in these situations the death is going to occur anyway, so now what you're praying for is a family to be receptive to organ donation and to understand the important."
For Clifton, Manning's story hits especially close to home. Her son, Caleb, who is now five is a child with heart defects. He went through a number of surgeries as well.
"All we're asking for is for people to be aware and if you're in that situation to consider organ donations because you save lives," says Clifton.
Whitworth says, "Pray for our family. I just hope and pray Manning gets a heart and recovers. He's at a really difficult stage right now."
Manning was moved to St. Louis Children's Hospital about a month ago awaiting a heart transplant.
As you can imagine, this has been financially draining on the Scott family. They maxed out their insurance and are in need of donations.
An event to benefit Manning will be held Friday, August 15th at 6:00 p.m. It's a concert and spaghetti dinner at Bible Holiness Dining Hall (Gospel Barn) located at 201 S. West in Ochelata. For more information contact Monte Barham at (918) 693-8500 or (918) 535-2618.
You can also make contributions in support of Manning Scott to:
Scott Family Medical Support Trust Account and sent to Arvest Bank
Attn: Financial Services - Debbie Miller
P.O. Box 999
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Phone - (918) 337-3000
