Hearts With River

Follow River’s journey through music, art, little victories, and the love he expresses.

River

Meet River

The little warrior behind Hearts With River

River is the little warrior behind Hearts With River.

His journey has touched so many people throughout the world and we are grateful for the amazing community of people surrounding River.

If you are new here, the Meet River page is the best place to begin.

Music Video

The Greatest Love

Music has always been part of River’s world, and he is the inspiration behind this song. When I wrote the song, I was sitting at the piano with River on my lap. When we recorded the song in the studio, River was present at every stage. When I was singing, River was right in front of me. And when we filmed this music video together, it became an experience I will never forget.

River with his dad

Ways to Support River

Walking with River

So many people support River with prayers, kind comments, shares, songs, encouragement, and love.

Some people also choose to support River’s journey financially. There is no pressure. We are grateful for every person who walks with River in any way. You can donate via:

More from River

Join us in the adventure

Daily moments, photos, reels, and the community walking alongside River. Come say hello!

Facebook

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4 hours ago

Hearts with River
We have a brand new website and story in pictures for River and you guys are the firdt to know! ... See MoreSee Less
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24 hours ago

Hearts with River
Hey friends! In my last video, I shared a study a follower named Trisha sent me — about children who survive drowning and how aware they truly are — and thousands of you responded. This video is Part 2!For about twenty years, researchers have documented that people who look completely unresponsive after a brain injury can be fully aware inside. It's called covert consciousness. It is not new, and it is not a separate disease. Three studies tell the story:DROWNING SURVIVORS — Dr. Peter Fox, UT Health San Antonio (Pediatric Neurology, 2023). About 60% of children who survived drowning were found to be "locked in" — aware, with the thinking and sensing parts of the brain preserved. Researchers named it "Conrad Syndrome."news.uthscsa.edu/locked-in-syndrome-is-predominant-outcome-when-children-survive-drowning-larger-...THE LARGEST STUDY OF HIDDEN AWARENESS — New England Journal of Medicine (2024). About 1 in 4 unresponsive brain-injury patients showed "covert consciousness" on brain scans — including people injured by loss of oxygen, like drowning.www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/consciousness-unresponsive-patientsWHERE IT BEGAN — Dr. Adrian Owen, Science (2006). A woman diagnosed "vegetative" was asked to imagine playing tennis — and her brain responded exactly like yours would. Proof that awareness can be fully present with no movement at all.www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1130197And it wasn't only the science — so many of you have lived it:Sarah shared that her niece survived an anoxic brain injury at age 3 with no visible awareness at all — and today she remembers everything.Christina, who spent three months in a coma, told us she heard and understood the whole time, even when she couldn't respond.Adrienne's son drowned at seven and, once he could speak again, told her he'd been aware all along — because when oxygen is cut off, awareness is the last thing to go, not the first.Sabine, whose own son was part of this study, said their children's awareness of themselves and others was largely intact.To every family, nurse, and survivor who shared your story in the comments — thank you for seeing my son. River is in there. I've always known it. 💙#HeartsWithRiver #RiverIsInThere #ConradSyndrome #CovertConsciousness #BrainInjuryAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
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1 day ago

Hearts with River
Hey friends! In my last video, I shared a study a follower named Trisha sent me — about children who survive drowning and how aware they truly are — and thousands of you responded. This video is Part 2!For about twenty years, researchers have documented that people who look completely unresponsive after a brain injury can be fully aware inside. It's called covert consciousness. It is not new, and it is not a separate disease. Three studies tell the story:DROWNING SURVIVORS — Dr. Peter Fox, UT Health San Antonio (Pediatric Neurology, 2023). About 60% of children who survived drowning were found to be "locked in" — aware, with the thinking and sensing parts of the brain preserved. Researchers named it "Conrad Syndrome."news.uthscsa.edu/locked-in-syndrome-is-predominant-outcome-when-children-survive-drowning-larger-...THE LARGEST STUDY OF HIDDEN AWARENESS — New England Journal of Medicine (2024). About 1 in 4 unresponsive brain-injury patients showed "covert consciousness" on brain scans — including people injured by loss of oxygen, like drowning.www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/consciousness-unresponsive-patientsWHERE IT BEGAN — Dr. Adrian Owen, Science (2006). A woman diagnosed "vegetative" was asked to imagine playing tennis — and her brain responded exactly like yours would. Proof that awareness can be fully present with no movement at all.www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1130197And it wasn't only the science — so many of you have lived it:Sarah shared that her niece survived an anoxic brain injury at age 3 with no visible awareness at all — and today she remembers everything.Christina, who spent three months in a coma, told us she heard and understood the whole time, even when she couldn't respond.Adrienne's son drowned at seven and, once he could speak again, told her he'd been aware all along — because when oxygen is cut off, awareness is the last thing to go, not the first.Sabine, whose own son was part of this study, said their children's awareness of themselves and others was largely intact.To every family, nurse, and survivor who shared your story in the comments — thank you for seeing my son. River is in there. I've always known it. 💙#HeartsWithRiver #RiverIsInThere #ConradSyndrome #CovertConsciousness #BrainInjuryAwareness ... See MoreSee Less
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What River Loves

Sounds, colors and people

River’s spirit shows in the moments he loves most, the sounds of the music we play, the colors of his world and the people we share our adventures with.

River and his dad at the drums

Music & Art

Our little man loves music. He reacts so much when we play the drums together, sing, or share little music time. He also loves to paint — we put the brush in his hand and help him with the movements. It becomes like a dance or a workout, and River shows us his excitement.

River with his dad and little sister

Family

River enjoys being part of everyday family life. It is so special for him to have a little sister. Daisy thinks about River a lot, and often brings him a stuffed animal or a towel without anyone asking. It is so sweet to see them together.

River having fun in the ball pit

Little Victories

Every little change we see in River, no matter how small, is a victory. We live in the moment with him, because he is perfect right now — he wants love, attention, fun, games and connection, like the nine year old boy he is. River reminds us every day to be present.

River painting

River’s Art

A piece from River

River loves to paint. We place the brush in his hand and help him with the movements. It’s kind of like a dance or a workout, where River gets to move, pick colors and express himself. We have made River’s paintings into greeting cards, mugs, shirts, canvas prints, shoes and other pieces people can get in the shop. Every purchase helps support River’s therapies and the next steps in his journey.

More Music From the Journey

Tout est possible

Tout est possible was the first song I released for River.

It is a half English, half French song where I talk to River about an adventure. I was raised in both languages, and I love speaking French to River. With French, we can express love and emotion in a completely different way.

Latest on YouTube

Every day, a little more

New moments from River are usually posted to YouTube first — his latest videos, music, story updates, and little victories.

Sign Up for River’s Newsletter

Join River’s email list for occasional updates, new videos, music, artwork, and ways to stay connected with his journey.