Son of Slain Trooper Moved to Duke University’s Childrens Hospital

press release
Published: September 9, 2008

The following press release was issued by Mission Hospital Tuesday morning to wspa.com:

Folks, I was asked by Michaela Blanton to forward to you the update below, and I am honored to do so. As you will see, Tye is no longer a patient here at Mission but since I already had your names, it was simple and made sense for me to forward her statement as a courtesy. Thanks again for the supportive news coverage you have given to her, to Tye, and to Trooper Blanton—Merrell Gregory, of Mission Hospital

Michaela Blanton has asked us to let you know that her son Tye was able to be transferred to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at Duke University Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Durham on August 31, and that she is there with him.

He has also had the unconditional support of many family members, close friends and the vast Highway Patrol family.

It had been the goal for Tye to grow to a weight of 5 pounds and be stable enough to endure heart surgery. At a weight of 5 pounds 2 ounces, his transfer to Duke was the next step in that plan.
Tye has a number of serious medical conditions in addition to his heart problems. He remains in critical yet stable condition at Duke after heart surgery on Wednesday. Despite the success of this surgery, Tye is looking towards an additional surgery in the near future to repair a different area of the heart. No date for his second heart surgery has been set at this time.
On the brighter side of his many hardships, Tye experienced many “firsts” in his life minutes prior to his transport to Duke. He was able to be outside and see daylight, catch the first glimpse of his baby cousin, Jaxon who was born only 33 hours before him, and even have a helicopter ride that he thoroughly enjoyed!
Mrs. Blanton again extends her thanks to the many people who have been helping and supporting her and Tye. They appreciate all who have kept the family of Tye’s father, State Trooper Shawn Blanton, in their prayers.

Complete coverage of the Blanton Family saga.