Meet Riley

I would like to share my daughters story, and how Kerrington’s Heart has blessed my family. 4 years ago God blessed me with a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Riley. It Started out as one of the most joyous days of my life until the doctor told us your daughter has to go to Kosairs Children’s Hospital that same day or she’s going to die because she has several heart defects. Life as I knew it stopped. I got on the ambulance with Riley, and left my life behind for 6 months until she was well. Here I was in a big city I knew nothing about. I had no money in my wallet, and only had the clothes on my back. The only thing I knew was I wasn't going to leave my daughters sight.

 After a couple days I heard about Kerrington’s Heart through the Ronald McDonald House. I was told Kerrington’s Heart was a great support for families with children who have CHD. I contacted the CEO via phone, and explained my situation. Kerrington’s heart was very compassionate, and said they was going to send me a care package. One of the items in the package was some food gift cards. I was beyond grateful, because I didn't have to worry where my next meal was coming. Through out my daughters hospital stay Kerrington’s heart continued emotional support, and meal vouchers. Christmas was very stressful being in the hospital, and Kerrington’s Heart surprised us by decorating Riley's room for Christmas.

Since we have been out of the hospital Kerrington’s heart has continued emotional support for my family. They are very close knit to the families they support. At anytime the board members, other families, and even the CEO make themselves available if you need support. One thing I enjoyed was they had a gathering for the dads. After we had our fun we sat around and shared our stories. I will never forget that night, because generally the dads feel they need to be strong for their families, and it was nice to talk about my bottled up emotions. This helped me begin the healing process for myself. This is a beautiful foundation, and I ask for anyone and everyone to donate in any way they are able to contribute, and support Kerrington’s Heart. If no one donated for me I would of went hungry, and who knows where I would be emotionally. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this, and thank you Kerrington’s heart for everything you have done for my family!

Michael, Riley’s Dad

Meet Talon

Our story starts with needing fertility help to get pregnant with our sweet little boy Talon. I was monitored every 2 weeks by the fertility doctor and then the high risk doctor until Talon was born at 33 weeks with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (weighing only 2 lb 14 oz), Pulmonary Vein Stenosis, Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Long story short, Talon has undergone 3 open heart surgeries, 11 heart catherizations, a G-tube surgery, has worn oxygen his whole life and has been on chemotherapy the last 2 years in an attempt to slow down the rate of his Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. Talon is followed closely by his cardiology teams at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. 

While at Boston Children's Hospital for Talon's 3rd open heart surgery, his sternal incision became severely infected and his chest had to be re-opened and wired. We were inpatient for 52 days as Talon fought for his life. We've had some rough hospitalizations but this one was especially terrifying. 

While being bedside morning, noon and night, we were dealing with lodging problems. We started at a nearby hotel, which quickly became very expensive as well as being limited on their room availability. We switched rooms a few times and then finally got in at the Patient Family Housing offered through BCH. We really only needed a place for all our luggage and somewhere to shower because we never leave Talon's side. 

Kerrington's Heart reach out to us and offered to help with some of the lodging expense and I can't even tell you what a relief that was. Kerrington's Heart has been a blessing to us in more ways than one. They host a phenomenal event each year called Cookies With Santa, and it's just for CHD families, which is a really special thing. Last year was our 1st year attending Cookies With Santa and we can't wait for it again this year. 

We also attended their Wild Hearts Fun Run Superhero 5K. It was a huge success and so much fun! There was music, a petting zoo, and so many real life superheros!

Kerrington's Heart offers so many events and programs throughout the year, to CHD families here in Kentucky. They have supported us financially, emotionally and spiritually and to say we are grateful for them is an understatement. 

Today is Giving Tuesday, and if you feel lead to give to this organization, just know that your donations are helping so many families who are really going through a rough and uncertain time. 

From the bottom of our hearts,

Thank You!   

Kyle, Beth and Talon Perkins