The Heart-Melting Story Behind This Grandfather and Grandson's Matching Scars

17:47 moms 0 Comments

This grandfather and his 11-month-old grandson have more in common than just blood - they've also both endured multiple open-heart surgeries.

In a powerful black-and-white photo, Sunshine Moody captured Allen Halstead cradling Kolbie Gregware as they show off their matching zipper scars for all to see. Despite being in opposite stages of life, both Allen and Kolbie have been in and out of the hospital fighting to survive. "My dad's life is slowing ending and my sons is just being," Allen's daughter and Kolbie's mother, Brandy Gregware, captioned the photo on Facebook.

After being born with Down syndrome, a heart defect, pulmonary vein stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, chronic lung disease, and kidney disease, Kolbie had his first open-heart surgery when he was just 4 months old and spent seven months in the hospital while his twin brother was at home. His grandfather, on the other hand, has endured two open-heart surgeries, 18 stents, a pacemaker, a deflator, artery disease, diabetes, a massive stroke, multiple mini heart attacks, and has 10 percent heart function.

Brandy originally posted the photo on Facebook not only to show off her father and son's incredible bond but also as a way to inspire others that miracles do happen. "There is so much hate and violence in the world, yet you have two people fighting to be here each day!" Brandy wrote. "There were several times my dad refused to go to the hospital until his Kolbie Lee came home. Miracles happen everyday and this is my proof of two amazing fighting miracles!"