Bring Home the Middlemiss Family

On September 23, 2013, Scott and Kate Middlemiss suffered the unfathomable loss of their cherished, six year old son Joseph Scott Middlemiss. Joe suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. The thickening can make it harder for blood to leave the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. Throughout his life, Joe endured many hospitalizations, tests, and procedures. Despite these obstacles, Joe was an absolute joy and inspiration to his family, many friends, and supporters. In his short life, Joe inspired others through his joyful personality, love of life, gift of music, and unwavering perseverance.

In the months before he earned his angel wings, Joe had experienced some of his healthiest and happiest days ever. These days included the birth of his baby brother Jack, on August 21, 2013, just 33 days prior to his death. Despite his strength, determination, and indomitable spirit, Joseph, passed away unexpectedly, at home, in the early morning of September 23^rd, after suffering from an unknown virus. The traumatic memories of this incomprehensible event have prevented his parents and baby brother, from returning to their home.

In her post on November 16th, Kate heart wrenchingly described the challenges they have faced since Joes's death.

"Following Joseph's tragic passing, we found it too difficult to move back into our home. While we have been blessed by the generosity of our families opening their homes to us, we are beginning to think about longer term living plans. This is such a complicated decision and we are torn in so many directions. Our HOME is filled with six years of happy memories of the life we built with Joseph. Right now, everything in the house reminds us of what is MISSING from our lives but we do have some hope that these memories will someday bring us comfort. If not for the visions of the last tragic moments that transpired in our home, we would be open to the thought of moving back, trying to embrace the memories, and build more with Jack.

At this point, we are looking for creative possibilities of how to redefine the space that triggers horrific memories in our minds. Each time we open the main door to our home and enter the kitchen we are hit with painful images where we performed CPR on a lifeless Joseph. It has been suggested that changing the appearance of this room: paint, flooring, etc. may make our re-entry into our home more bearable. We are honestly not sure if we will be able to do this, but would like to make every effort to TRY."

Our mission, as family and friends, is to "Bring Home the Middlesmiss Family". We are working on a plan to remodel their kitchen and to honor the memory of their beloved Joe. To accomplish this goal we need your help. Please consider donating to this worthy cause.

To read more about Joseph and his incredible family please click the link below:

http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_24188194/dracuts-joey-middlemiss-taught-so-many-be-grateful