Camp Pendleton Marine's son donated birthday money to help babies in ICU

MARINE’S SON SPENDS BIRTHDAY CASH ON HELPING AILING BABIES

Written by
Diane Bell


When Isaiah Tyson’s parents asked what he wanted for his 14th birthday, the Camp Pendleton eighth-grader said he had everything he needed and preferred to use his gift money to buy things for children who weren’t so lucky.

They compiled a list of kids’ charities and shelters. He chose children in the hospital, with teddy bears in mind.

However, they switched to crib mobiles when a friend at Oceanside’s Tri-City Medical Center said the neonatal intensive care unit needed a certain brand that stimulated the infants. They had only two, one held together with tape.

Buying the mobiles wasn’t easy. The Tysons drove to seven stores before finding them in Murrieta. They bought the last three, for about $150. On his birthday last week, Isaiah delivered them to the unit. “His kindness really touched our hearts,” said Tri-City spokeswoman Teresa Connors.

“This is probably one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. It is a great feeling — giving back and not just receiving,” said Isaiah, who hopes to continue the tradition on his birthdays and other holidays as well.

Isaiah’s dad, a Marine Corps master sergeant, left for a year in Afghanistan on Friday wearing a proud smile.
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