CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- A baby who survived a Sumner County tornado that ripped apart his house and killed his mother has become a bright spot to his family and community.

After hospital treatment for a collapsed lung, gashes and scrapes, Kyson Stowell is living with his grandparents northeast of Nashville.

Kay and Doug Stowell say Kyson has been nicknamed "Tumbleweed" because he survived being tossed around by the wind. He smiles a lot, likes people and enjoys playing with musical toys, just like his 23-year-old mother.

Kerri Stowell was among 32 Tennesseans killed by the Feb. 5 tornadoes. Kyson celebrated his first birthday days after her funeral.

Kyson's survival story has attracted global attention, bringing get well cards and contributions to a trust fund set up for his college education at a Nashville bank.

Bank officials won't say how much has been contributed, but his grandfather says donations have ranged from $5 to $2,000.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)