SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
Thomas Anderson heard his parents talking about his health problem.
"They never really explained it that much to me, but I just keep overhearing them," Thomas said.
One day he heard something that caught his attention.
"I have a hole in my heart," said Thomas.
Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect when he was born, Thomas had his first surgery before he was a year old—a surgery that may have saved his life. He has the scar as a daily reminder.
"It looks pretty cool," said Thomas.
Thomas and his 3-year-old brother Jonathan have both battled similar conditions for years. His condition is most noticeable in gym class.
"I can run, it's just I get tired a lot faster," Thomas said.
Thomas got up in front his class and shared his struggles with his classmates at Sioux City's Unity Elementary School.
"It's important for the students to feel safe and secure and be able to share that and also to feel comfortable with any kind of differences we have. And Thomas is just another example of how we all get along at Unity and try to support each other," said Kathy Milner, a 4th grade teacher at Unity.
Outside of the classroom, Thomas has been busy participating in several walks every year to raise money for heart research. He was honored at a local heart gala and has already met the mayors of Sioux City and Las Vegas. He feels very blessed.
"Great that I'm still alive from the heart surgery," said Thomas.
After Thomas' presentation, his classmates now understand what it means to walk together.
On June 2, Thomas will participate in a walk for heart research. He's hoping many of his friends join him from start to finish.
