Growing Up With Down Syndrome: Thomas’s Journey
My name is Finbar Barry, and I want to introduce you to my son, Thomas. Thomas was the youngest of seven children, born with Down syndrome and a host of serious health challenges, including Perthes disease, Hirschsprung disease, a heart murmur, an underactive thyroid, hiatus hernia, stomach reflux, and severe anemia. Many of these conditions began to surface around the age of 18 months. Thomas almost didn’t survive birth and was immediately placed in an incubator. Doctors were unsure he would live, and we were even advised to have him baptized in case he didn’t make it. But after two months, to the sheer delight of our family, we received the incredible news that he could finally come home. From the very beginning, Thomas showed an unshakable spirit—a fighter determined to live against all odds.
As weeks turned into months, his other illnesses began to emerge. His anemia became so severe that he needed multiple blood transfusions. Initially, two units of blood would sustain him for six months, but over time, that same amount lasted less and less—eventually only six weeks. At age four, Thomas was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia near his heart and underwent a grueling eight-hour surgery, along with a tummy tuck to repair a loose diaphragm that prevented him from keeping food down. At eight years old, he suddenly fell very ill again. Hospital tests revealed Hirschsprung disease, and he spent six months in intensive care as an inpatient, his life hanging in the balance.
As Thomas grew, other health challenges appeared. At nine, he began complaining of knee pain, which turned out to be a dislocated hip. He underwent surgery to correct it, and as parents, my late wife and I often wished we could take his pain away so he wouldn’t cry himself to sleep each night. By age 14, Perthes disease had affected his other hip, requiring yet more surgery. He endured 14 years of persistent pain before becoming the youngest person in Ireland to receive a total hip replacement at 28. Despite everything, Thomas’s spirit remained unbroken. Soon after his surgery, he began talking about wanting a job, inspired by seeing his older brothers and myself work.
Though we humored him, knowing a traditional job would be impossible given his physical and intellectual challenges, Thomas’s determination never wavered. He has always been driven to express his creativity and independence. Over the years, I had searched for a way for him to “have a job” despite his limitations. The answer was right in front of us—socks. From a young age, Thomas loved socks. Unlike many children, he wasn’t attached to toys; he found joy and comfort in socks, spinning them and playing with them for hours.
That passion became the foundation for Thomas’s Trendy Socks, an online business we launched together. The company, Thomp2, is named after how Thomas signs his name, a symbol of his identity and personality. With the support of family, Thomas has become the heart and soul of his business, selling socks he loves while inspiring people worldwide with his story. His journey—a life filled with sickness, surgeries, and relentless pain—never extinguished his radiant smile, one that melts hearts and motivates others to persevere.
Thomas’s story is a reminder that no matter your circumstances, you can chase your dreams. Ask for help when needed, pursue your goals, and never give up. Thomp2 Socks officially launched in 2019, but in reality, Thomas’s journey began the day he was born in 1985. Today, the business thrives, sourcing socks from suppliers with plans to eventually manufacture them in Ireland. True to Thomas’s generous spirit, 5% of profits are donated to charity partners. His life is a testament to courage, creativity, and the power of determination.
