Super Wyatt

"Wyatt is going to overcome every challenge that he is going to encounter in his life. No, he will conquer them. I really believe that he is going to live up to his name and he will be a modern day warrior." - Super Wyatt's Mom

Super Wyatt

California 

One look at this sweet, sweet smile and you'd think that this TinySuperhero just flew on in, ready to save the world!  Well, he's definitely a TinySuperhero, and he's already changing the world, but Super Wyatt's journey leading to this beautiful photo has been far from easy.  His TinySuperhero status has been too well deserved. 

Super Wyatt is actually half of a Dynamic Duo. At 18 weeks gestation, Wyatt's twin brother Michael left this world to be his family's TinySuperhero Angel. While he is deeply missed here on Earth, Wyatt and his parents know that Michael is never far away. Super Michael's star is on Wyatt's cape, reminding Wyatt he is never fighting alone.

The loss of Michael was understandably devastating to his Mom and Dad. In the midst of their grief, they also had to take extreme precautions to hold off Wyatt's birth as he developed more. After 9 weeks of bed rest, Wyatt could wait no longer and was born at 27 weeks gestation, weighing 2lb 4oz on April 15, 2012. His early arrival led to the usual NICU procedures of intubation and careful watch. Soon Wyatt was breathing on his own, but he still had another major hurdle ahead.

If you met Super Brenna, you remember that there are five types of Ichthyosis (a family of genetic skin disorders). Super Wyatt was born with a different form of Ichthyosis called Epidermolytic Ichthyosis (EI). EI is only found in 1 out 300,000 Americans. Some symptoms of EI include: thick and hardened skin, formation of scales, coupled with fragile skin that is prone to blisters and infection. Wyatt displayed the symptoms of EI right away, and his parents were unable to really touch him for weeks. After 97 days in the NICU and over 1 million dollars in medical bills, Wyatt finally got to go home.  

Like the Harlequin Ichtyhosis that Brenna is fighting, no cure is available for Epidermolytic Ichthyosis. Wyatt's future is bright, but his skin will always require exceptional care. He is now 9 months old, weighs 13lbs, and has the best giggle! His skin is sensitive, vulnerable to blisters and always at risk of infection, but Super Wyatt's smile helps his parents know that everything will be okay.

This tiny guy is wasting no time making his mark in our world! There is no cure for EI, but there can be! Wyatt's family has become involved with F.I.R.S.T. (Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types). Among other things, F.I.R.S.T. is committed to continuing research to find better treatment and cures for kids like Wyatt and Brenna. Super Wyatt convinced his mom and dad to run a half marathon to raise money and awareness for Ichthyosis. They will be "Running for Research" on May 5, 2013 and are hoping to raise $60,000, which will fund a research project for F.I.R.S.T.  

Super Wyatt and Super Brenna deserve our help! If you'd like to donate to their fundraiser, you can do so here. Otherwise, the least we can do is spread the word. Help them educate people on Ichthyosis so that we can find a cure for these TinySuperheroes! Share their stories with your family and friends!

We are so blessed to have Super Wyatt and his Angel brother as our TinySuperheroes. We honor his brother, Michael, who is dearly missed. You can read more about Wyatt's journey on his mom's blog. Wyatt means "little warrior", but we think Super Wyatt is a BIG warrior - we are inspired by him!

For the month of February we will be donating one TinySuperhero cape to a kid like Super Wyatt for every TinySuperhero cape purchased from our online store below. Help us empower these TinySuperheroes by purchasing a cape for your own TinySuperhero!

https://www.zaarly.com/tinysuperheroes/tinysuperhero-cape-one-for-one

TinySuperheroes is a small organization that seeks to empower our little ones — one cape at a time. Proceeds from cape sales enable us to spread the love!  We donate TinySuperhero capes to extraordinary TinySuperheroes who exemplify strength and determination as they overcome great adversity. When you empower your TinySuperhero, you help empower others, too!

To nominate a TinySuperhero, email puddles@tinysuperheroes.com.