Elmo makes CD for sick toddler

Courtesy photo

Two-year-old Tripp Roth is unlike most kids. Most kids don’t have a mother who has won a national award and a CD of songs made especially for them by THE Elmo. But Tripp also has a very rare skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa, which causes blisters and sores to form on his skin anywhere the friction occurs.

When he was born, doctors predicted that Tripp would not live to see his first birthday, but his family has been fighting since day-one to help the child survive.

Tripp’s mom, Courtney, was recently “mominated” for a Moms Who Are Changing The World award and won. The award was given through Babble.com, a national website for parents. Courtney led with more than 10,000 votes.

The nomination shares the story of Courtney and Tripp with the world.

“Courtney deals with incredible circumstances with amazing amounts of grace, positivity, faith, a good sense of humor, and an unwavering love and devotion to her baby,” the nomination says.

Courtney’s win is not the only national spotlight the family has received recently.

Kevin Clash, the actor who plays Elmo on Sesame Street, heard about Tripp and wrote a special song just for him.
Tripp loves Elmo and listens to him all day long - even before his name was in the songs. He recently received a full CD of songs with a special version of “Tripp’s World.”

“You like drums, and animal sounds too… that’s Tripp’s World!” Elmo sings. “Elmo loves you Tripp, Elmo loves you Ms. Courtney.”

In her blog, www.randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com, Courtney said that Tripp really loves hearing his name in the song.

To do your part to help Tripp and his family, spend the morning of Oct. 15 at the Skipp for Tripp, a 5k run/walk and 1 mile fun run that begins at the Jerusalem Shrine Temple in Destrehan at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

The event includes food, drinks, live music by coverband “Weathered,” inflatables and face painting. Entry is $25, which includes a t-shirt. A $10 donation is asked from non-runners.