Thomas was born 3-1/2 months premature in 1994, and cared for by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. To look at him today, you would never know he was a preemie.

Our "25 weeker" is now a university student majoring in social work. He graduated high school in June 2013. While in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, a leader in the marching band, and an enthusiastic Boy Scout. During his junior year he led a project for the SPCA as his Eagle Scout project—and in June 2012 he completed his Eagle board of review and joined the 4% of scouts who reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

He plans to continue his education with post graduate studies—with aspirations of becoming a therapist—helping people with psychological problems.

Now that you know about Thomas Today—scroll down to see the beginning of his story in 12 installments ...