Statement from Michaela Blanton, wife of slain state trooper Shawn Blanton:

"I want to thank all of the people who have been praying for our families, for me, and especially for Tye. People have helped us personally and contributed through benefits, and there have been so many anonymous donors whose names I will never know. How do you begin to thank people like this?

Tye does need your prayers. He was born on Saturday, May 31, about 7 weeks early. In addition to his premature birth, Tye faces numerous other challenges, including a heart condition which will need surgery at Duke. His condition is now listed as critical. At the same time, Tye is making progress and growing. When he was born, he weighed 2 pounds, 7 ounces and was 14 inches long. Today he has grown to 15 ½ inches long and weighs 2 pounds, 15 ounces. He is a feisty guy who can also be ornery at times.

We know that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Obviously, we learned that with Shawn. For Tye, every day is different -- we face different challenges and experience joys as well. Our goal for Tye is that he can continue to gain weight, and be weaned off of the ventilator, so that he can withstand the heart surgery he needs.

We are so thankful for the tremendous number of prayers given for him. Tye can use them all, and more. I sincerely appreciate everybody who has reached out to us, and supported Tye in their hearts and prayers."

- Michaela Blanton, June 27, 2008 Blanton Family Statement (06/27/08)