Time out with T.O. – The rest of the story

Legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey was famous for telling people, “the rest of the story.”

Today, I want to finish a story I started in July 2008.

It involved my grandson, Johnny Raynor, who was born with a major congenital heart defect known as transposition of the great arteries (TGA).









picture disc.

Tom O’Connor
As I recounted, Johnny’s only hope for survival was an open-heart surgery performed 12 days after he was born.

Thankfully, Johnny came through surgery in good shape and made a rapid recovery.

About a month after his surgery, I wrote a UNMC Today story that received more response from readers than any story I’ve ever written.

For many, however, I suspect there was some concern that Johnny would ever lead a normal life.

Now — 16 months later — I’m happy to report that Johnny is the picture of health.

Other than the thin scar that runs down his sternum, you would have absolutely no idea that Johnny’s life had such a traumatic start.

He is all boy. He is already hooked on football, which he calls “huh-huh-hike.”












Golf and football with Johnny



Tom O’Connor’s grandson, Johnny Raynor, shows off his golf skills and football knowledge in the video above. Raynor — who is now 18-months-old — underwent open heart surgery when he was 12-days-old to fix a congenital heart defect.




His golf game is already better than mine. Not saying much, but come on, he’s only 18 months old.

He’s an expert in demolition. Everywhere he goes, he leaves behind a path of destruction. If you don’t want him to do something, he will.

Earlier this year, I attended a campus presentation featuring UNMC doctors involved in a creative writing course.

I was encouraged by the comments of one of the presenters — Lydia Kang, M.D., a UNMC internist.

She shared a poem about the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. It was based on the many hours she had spent there when her oldest child, Benjamin, had his TGA surgery eight years ago.

Dr. Kang recognized that TGA is a serious problem. But, unlike some other congenital heart defects, she said, “It is usually one surgery and done.”

I caught up with Dr. Kang afterwards to tell her about Johnny and find out more about her son. She said Benjamin is “incredibly bright” and that he appears to be “gifted in science.” His TGA “has never been an impediment.”

Sounds like a great kid with a bright future. Sounds just like Johnny.

And now — as Paul Harvey would say — you know the rest of the story.

9 comments

  1. Pat Jones says:

    Tom,

    Thanks for sharing the rest of the story!!

    Wishing you and Johnny and the entire family
    a very Blessed Christmas!!

    Pat

  2. Linda Grunberg says:

    Tom, everyone can use good news first thing in the morning. Thanks for sharing Johnny's story. Merry Christmas! Linda

  3. Bill O. says:

    He hits it better than his Grandpa…. Great story, Tom.

  4. Anne says:

    What a great story, Tom! I'm so glad to know Johnny Ray is doing well! Just wondering – does he still have your hairline?

  5. Chris Dunham says:

    Thanks for the follow up on Johnny. I can only imagine how much fun he and Grandpa have! Happy Holidays!

  6. Paula Turpen says:

    Glad to hear the good news. Thanks for sharing, Tom.

  7. Rick Blum says:

    Tom, may he grow up healthy and strong, and bring you a lot of happiness. You'll have to teach him your jumper though!

  8. Lisa Runco says:

    Tom, thank you for sharing the next chapter. I do believe you are UNMC's very own "Paul Harvey" and we are blessed to have you in our midst all these years. Happy Holidays, my friend.

  9. Ginny Tilden says:

    Tom — So great to learn the rest of this story! John and I are happy for your sweet family.

    Ginny Tilden

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