#BeLikeThatcher

Thatcher James Swanson entered this world on December 10, 2012, and with him, brought an energy and joy that left a lasting impression on everyone with whom he came into contact. Thatcher was the son of Alessandra and Anthony Swanson, and he was truly the light of their lives. Their life as a family was a wonderfully happy one, filled with hugs, kisses, and arguments about who loved who the most. They referred to each other as “best good friends,” and every night, they gathered to read books and snuggle Thatcher until he fell asleep. Thatcher woke up with a smile on his face each day, which only faded when he had to eat vegetables or clean up the collection of Legos that threatened to encroach on every inch of the family’s apartment floor.

Thatcher was a second-grader at Catherine Cook School. He was an incredibly curious and creative child, and took great pleasure in creating art, playing make believe games with his stuffed animals, and inventing new Pokemon cards. He was firm in his belief that when he grew up, he would buy the apartment upstairs from his parents, and balance a busy schedule of being an art teacher, an oceanographer (yes, in Chicago) and a professional Lego builder. He had the curious mind of his scientist father and the vocabulary (and clever retorts) of his attorney mother. Beyond all, Thatcher was known for – and will be remembered by – his incredibly kind heart. He wanted for nothing, was beloved by all who crossed his path, and was keenly aware that there were many children who did not have access to the type of home, education, food and belongings that he did.

Thatcher’s family and friends are working to establish a number of avenues through which all who loved him can honor his memory. As such one option, Alessandra and Anthony would like to invite those who wish to remember Thatcher to direct donations to Digs for Dignity, an incredible organization run by a dear friend of the Swanson Family. Digs' mission is to elevate the lives of those transitioning from homelessness by providing them with a beautiful, dignified home to call their own. 

When Thatcher became aware of Digs, he insisted on donating some of his tooth fairy money (a precious commodity for a seven-year-old) to make sure that each child would have a “stuffie” to love in their new home. Digs, with the blessing of Alessandra and Anthony, has set up this fund to help facilitate donations in Thatcher’s memory. All donations received will help further the mission of Digs and ensure that each child who receives benefits from Digs is given a "stuffie" in honor of Thatcher.

We understand that some of you may have donated to a similar “Go Fund Me” page last week, in the immediate aftermath of Thatcher’s death. This page was set-up by friends of the family who were eager to do something to help ease the heartache that resonated through the family’s network. At Alessandra and Anthony’s request, this page was taken down so they could have more time to grieve and coordinate on the best way to honor their little boy’s life. The money donated through that page has been transferred to Digs at the direction of Alessandra and Anthony, and has been incorporated into the total amount raised on this page.