Click the Play button above to view video
Having trouble viewing video? Try this link.

No mom could have loved or have done more for her son and other people's children who are born with Tay-Sachs Disease than Sherri Manning whose little angel, Dylan, died Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006. Read Sherri's poem.

Website(s):

http://www.djsfoundation.org/
 
Transcript From The Show

 

Dylan’s Wings   The time has come, we must say goodbye. Our precious little angel, you have finally earned your wings! We know that you are with us and want us not to cry, It’s finally your time to slide down rainbows and ride the big boy swings! Just Believe that you made a difference in the lives of so many.   Though you’ve only spoken a handful of words, Today is the one that hurt us the worst… “Ou…ch” was the only one you had to cry, That’s when we knew you were ready to fly!   We had the most perfect walk to see the sunrise, It was orange like a basketball, we know now you are DRiB-Ling high! We swooped you up on the hottest day of the year To show you the name we’ve engraved in the yard, Then Maddie went out to pay her regards.   We took Pappy for breakfast at Atglen’s world famous café, Then Grandpop and Brady met us along the way. A peaceful stroll home in your fancy green wagon So that we could wish Jessica Happy Birthday from Dylan.   It was the most perfect occasion, all of your grandparents here by your side. God decided he must call you home & it’s now in him we must confide. Alas, mommy finally got the hint…it’s a tubby you wanted, and so you got your wish. Bells rang for you as you got your wings on the 2nd of August 2006. Warm water you’ve loved from the first moment of birth, So that is our last memory here on earth. Before your last breath you gave quite a smile And then Poof…like magic the pain was all gone. Near, far, wherever you are, we know your heart will go on.   Then to top our day off, our favorite Boston Red Sox got the job done, Just for you, D they scored a winning home run! We promise to carry out your mission until our days are done. So until we meet again, baby boy, you’ll always be our precious son.   WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU D, TO THE MOON AND BACK! XOXOXOXO   Just Believe, Mommy, Daddy, Brady and Madison

TRANSCRIPT FROM THE SHOW Sherri: Linda you have to look at his room pre-diagnosis Dylan's room.  Linda: All angels! Oh my, was that an omen? Brian: My wife is a big angel lover. I wanted to add a touch for the boy so we put Nike caps, basketballs, angel hands and baseballs. And little did we know we had Dylan while an angel of our own. Sherri and Brian Manning believe their son Dylan is an angel. And even though at the age of 3 he’s making his way back to heaven as Tay-Sachs disease progresses through his body, his mom believes he will have changed more lives than most people do in a lifetime. Linda: You went through a lot just to have Dylan.  Sherri: We did, Dylan is one of 4 pregnancies when he was born. Linda: What has your experience been with the progression of this disease with Dylan?  Sherri: It’s been very difficult. Tay-Sach disease is a genetic disorder that means both parents must carry the defective gene and when they do one in 4 pregnancies is effected by a child. What happens is the fatty acids build up around the central nervous system and take away all his functions, he doesn't walk, he doesn't talk, he has a feeding tube he doesn't laugh he doesn’t' cry.  But he does bring her family together Sherri: We're busy during the day with Nanna, Pappy, Nana, Grandpop and Uncle James and anyone who can help. Right bud? Both sets of parents and our brothers and sisters are around all the time and he's just brought so much life to so many people. He's taught us about the true meaning of love I think. This is Dylan's scrapbook. This is a book I wrote from Dylan's perspective if he could talk Sherri: He is my inspiration that allows me to be other mother's inspiration And confined to bed rest with a new baby boy on the way, Sherri writes about her experience to bring awareness to her son’s disease and provide hope for other mothers. Sherri: It's kind of ironic because the show's called “Moms on the Move” and I'm on complete bed rest. Linda: That's okay as long as we have a healthy baby. And through a gene separation procedure and Invitro Fertilization, doctors were able to ensure Sherri’s new son will not have Tay-Sach disease. Sherri: We've always wanted to watch this guy grow up so the next one is going to have big shoes to fill for sure. Linda: So what are you going to name your new baby?  Sherri: Brady Dylan. And Brady Dylan will grow up to know his older brother through the Dylan James Manning Foundation for Tay-Sachs.  Sherri: We want to educate people about the risks of Tay-Sachs disease. And to find a cure. So their goal is to raise 1½ million dollars for research through the sale of items, events and their working towards a benefit concert. Sherri: Dylan has a favorite singer. Linda: He does? Sherri: Leanne Rhymes  Sherri: We took him to a concert. Once we met Leanne Rhymes back stage she was wonderful she was willing to put one of Dylan's just believe bracelets on which is part of our fundraising events. This one's for you L just believe. Sherri: Dylan has his very own bracelet it says “Just Believe” and he's taught us just to do that just believe in life just believe in miracles and just believe in a cure. Brian: Needless to say he's decked out in New England attire.  Linda: Can I dance with an angel? (Linda dancing with Dylan to Leanne Rhymes and singing)  Linda: If every life has a purpose what do you think Dylan's purpose in life is? Sherri: Dylan's purpose in life is to save a lot of babies down the road. Dylan is truly an angel. He has changed a lot of people's lives without even saying a word. He's changed and gathered community’s together and touched children's lives in ways you never imagine. People email me from elementary schools all the time, from high school to colleges to the elderly population.  Sherri: Appreciate everyday with your children. Just love ‘em to death love ‘em to pieces.  Linda: And you even put a picture of him in here.  Sherri: That looks just like him it does don't you think? Linda: It does. It's amazing.

                 

Tips

See More Inspired Moms

Check out these Mom Space Pages





Meet One of Our Newest Members!

Oriana Whelan
Hudson, NH
I