ate families about life with a tracheostomy, and to show the amazing quality of life and true joy that children living with a tracheostomy can have. It is also a tool to help medical professionals and educators prepare families for life with a tracheostomy. Mattie was born with Down syndrome and a severe AV canal heart defect. he was hospitalized his first 11 months of life, and required G-tube surgery, a tracheostomy, and two open heart surgeries. He spent the next 3 years living at home with his family. He loves trips to the zoo, the park, and playing with his siblings.