Colton Strong: Vigo Co. family looking to raise awareness for medical condition

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – A Vigo County family is raising awareness and collecting donations for several life-threatening medical conditions.

For the Murray’s – those conditions hit close to home.

Kim and Matt Murray are your typical parents; they want the best for their kids.

“We knew about his heart condition and we were prepared for that.”

Life quickly changed on Dec. 26 of 2015 when Colton was born. Kim said she knew immediately her son had Down Syndrome.

“But when we found out he had Down Syndrome we have to basically grieve the loss of the typical child we were going to have,” she continued.

Eight-months-old and several doctor appointments later, Colton still has a long road ahead of him. And his conditions continue to pile up.

“Tricuspid atresia, so he has no tricuspid valve, it’s just a wall. And he has a hypoplastic right ventricle… He has an unbalanced AV Canal defect and tetralogy of fallot and pulmonary hypertension.”

Difficult names for complicated conditions. But the Murray’s response is simple: they’re not giving up!

“It’s a struggle every day. But, we wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Matt Murray said. “We love our boy, and we will give him the best life we can. His smiles make it all worth it.”

They’ve started #ColtonStrong – a way for the community to buy shirts and to donate for other families going through the same thing.

“We can collect donations, and be able to give them to places like for congenital heart disease research, Down syndrome awareness and Hirsch sprung research.”

They are showing Colton he’s got a strong support team.

“The support is what keeps us going a lot of times. We thrive off the support.”

Support and love – that’s what you can see in his big smile.

“He’s really the perfect baby. Other than his heart disease and his hirschsprung’s disease. He’s perfect.”

He’s.. Colton strong!

The Murrays are collecting donations until September 6th.

To learn how you can donate or if you just want to show your support, click here.