A Legacy of Warmth

Trevor Tonsing was born on December 13, 1993 with complex congenital heart defects. Through multiple surgeries in his first six months and the heroic efforts of Children’s Hospital & Research Facility Oakland, Trevor overcame his challenges and led a remarkably normal and exuberant life for sixteen years.

He passed away from complications days later, on December 17, 2009. Trevor touched many lives; his memorial service was attended by about 1,200 people. His generosity of spirit continued on through the donation of his kidneys, pancreas, and tissues. It also continues through the blanket foundation.

Trevor had already started on his Eagle Scout project, which was to procure materials and organize and instruct crews to make fleece blankets for the benefit of the patients at Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland.
(see Trevor’s Email)

His zest for life, friendliness, and connection with people young and old was unparalleled. He enjoyed a wonderful sixteenth birthday with his family. The day afterward, Trevor unexpectedly suffered sudden cardiac arrest at his school, Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, California.

Trevor was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, having achieved the rank of Life Scout. The next rank was Eagle Scout, the highest award bestowed in scouting. Trevor was posthumously awarded the Spirit of the Eagle Award by the Boy Scouts of America.

At his memorial service, Trevor’s father announced the family’s desire to move forward with Trevor’s Eagle Scout project, and Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation was born.