by Jeanni Ritchie
Last month, Timmy’s Toys hosted their first “Get Down with the Down Low,” a community program designed to educate parents on laryngomalacia.
Laryngomalacia is a congenital disease of the larynx and affects over half the babies born worldwide to some degree. It affected Timmy as well.
Timmy Westbrook was born on July 15, 2022 to Timothy and Savannah Westbrook. Despite surgery for a tongue tie and exercises to correct the malformation, Timmy continued to struggle to breathe. He continued fighting until he was four months old.
While Timmy’s fight ended, Savannah Westbrook’s did not. She founded Timmy’s Toys, housed out of MB Therapy (1440 Drive, Alexandria) in her son’s memory. Advocacy is at the heart of her mission.
“I want parents to know they are not alone. I want Timmy’s Toys to be the resource center to call when they have questions,” Westbrook explains.
Timothy and Savannah had a second son, Brian, now 18 months old and also born with a congenital defect. His parents now rely on their own instincts as well as medical opinion. It is a stand they are passionate about.
“You may not have the medical degree but you know your child better than anyone else,” Westbrook believes. I do not disagree. Our babies both spent time in the same cardiology unit in New Orleans.
Timmy’s Toys has three main goals: education and awareness of laryngomalacia, support for parents and caregivers, and toys.
A Timmy’s Toy Box is sent to children undergoing surgical procedures to correct malacia, containing a personal stuffed giraffe, toys and books for the patient, and a word of encouragement for the parents. Timmy’s Toy Boxes have been delivered locally as well as shipped across the country.
The first public event hosted by Timmy’s Toys answered questions on developmental milestones, issues with reflux or feeding, knowing the difference between teething symptoms and an illness, when to ask for a referral to specialists, and more.
Led by a panel of speakers including a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, pediatric nurse practitioner, lactation consultant, ENT, and a physical therapist, the event was open to the entire community.
You can help Timmy’s Toys by liking their Facebook page, donating toys for the Timmy’s Toy Boxes by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish List, or giving a monetary donation. You can visit restaurants when they sponsor a Timmy’s Toys night, just as Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies on MacArthur Drive did in March.
All donations are tax-deductible. If you’d like more info on laryngomalacia or how you can help, email timmystoys0715@gmail.com
Jeanni Ritchie is a freelance journalist from Central Louisiana. For more information on this organization or to sponsor a Timmy’s Toys night at YOUR restaurant, email jeanniritchie54@gmail.
