Heart defect survivor inspires NFL QB to fund cardiac care
Nine-year-old Gavin Kuykendall is a huge Brandon Weeden fan, but not just because he’s an NFL quarterback for the Houston Texans or a former Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback. Gavin lights up when he sees Weeden because the football pro championed him during the crucial final act of a three-stage heart surgery that started when Gavin was only a few weeks old.
Before birth, doctors diagnosed Gavin with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart does not form correctly, which limits blood flow to the body. Doctors told Adam and Faith Kuykendall that newborn Gavin would have to undergo either three grueling surgeries or enter hospice care. The Kuykendalls knew that Gavin deserved a fighting chance.
Gavin proved that he really is a fighter. His first two surgeries at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center were a success. Before the third operation, the surgeon informed the Kuykendalls that he had to relocate to San Diego, California. The family was crushed. Despite the huge financial burden, the Kuykendalls found a way to take Gavin to California.
When Weeden and his wife, Melanie, both longtime friends of the Kuykendalls, heard Gavin’s story and about his cross-country trip for surgery, they knew something had to be done—not just for Gavin, but for all children with heart defects. Although the Kuykendalls made it happen, not every family has the resources to travel out of state so that their child can receive care.
“We had witnessed the challenges for children in need of cardiac care and the impact it can have on children’s families,” Weeden said. “When I met Gavin I knew that cardiac surgery was an area I wanted to support and bring attention to.”
With Gavin as his inspiration, the Weeden’s formed a foundation to raise awareness and improve the medical outlook for Oklahoma children with severe heart defects. Their goal: raise $1 million for Children’s Hospital Foundation. The funds establish a Cardiac Surgery Research program under the direction of cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Harold Burkhart; the Director of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery and Medical Director of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgical Services at The Children’s Hospital. The program will further elevate the hospital’s prestigious program and ensure that kids with congenital heart defects continue to stay in Oklahoma for care.
“For 30 years, Children’s Hospital Foundation has partnered with community donors to establish research programs that improve care for children all across our state,” said Kathy McCracken, Children’s Hospital Foundation Executive Director. “We are extremely grateful for the leadership and vision of the Weedens and the Kuykendalls, who have started us on a path to build this new program and answer the critical needs of many Oklahoma children and families.”
To help reach that goal, the Weedens established the Swing from the Heart Golf Challenge in 2012. Held at Oak Tree National in Edmond, Oklahoma, the event features a competitive round of golf, a luncheon, and silent and live auctions. The fourth annual event takes place June 23, 2016.
Four years after his third surgery, Gavin has as much, if not more, energy than other kids his age. He likes the superhero Iron Man and is not shy about showing people his scar. With the help of a pacemaker, Gavin plays sports and shows no signs of slowing down.
Today’s program provides advanced surgical options to little patients with the most complex heart abnormalities. This is possible because of added specialists such as Dr. Burkhart, new equipment and recently renovated operating rooms.
Yes, Gavin might name Brandon Weeden his favorite NFL quarterback, but the admiration goes both ways. The Weedens’ generosity, combined with the advanced cardiac services supported by Children’s Hospital Foundation, ensure that children affected with life-threatening illnesses will get the care they need close to home.
Want to be part of Weeden’s game? Help complete funding for this critical research program by making an online donation at chfKids.com or by calling 405-271-2260. With your support, kids like Gavin will continue to get the care they need without leaving home.