When Haedyn’s parents went to their 20-week ultrasound, they had no idea that they’d be learning about their child’s heart condition. Haedyn had his first heart surgery at only three days old. He then spent nearly a month in the hospital, going home for a short period of time before returning right before he turned three months for his second heart surgery. His recovery for this second surgery only lasted nine days, and for the next two and a half years he got to learn what life was like as a baby/toddler. He experienced challenges gaining weight and needed additional heart caths but, fortunately, he was as healthy as possible given the situation.
Then, in May of 2019 (a few weeks before his third birthday), Haedyn was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease seemingly out of nowhere. He developed a painful rash from head to toe causing him to scream in discomfort when attempting to walk or open his eyes. His parents brought him to Children’s for intensive treatment that caused him to lose his hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, fingernails and toenails during a long and arduous recovery. His family was sure that they would lose Haedyn through this process. Nevertheless, he persisted and made a full recovery.
Soon, Haedyn was able to continue doing normal kid activities. His parents were encouraged to let him try whatever he wanted, as long as his body could handle it. He attended preschool and was a month into kindergarten when he underwent his third heart surgery, the Fontan. His family was told that recovery would be potentially several weeks or longer due to the complexity of his condition, but once again, Haedyn proved everyone wrong and was out of the hospital in only 10 days. Says Haedyn’s mom, Jamie, “this hospital stay showed us just how lucky we are to be a part of such a great cardiology team. Without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Haedyn’s parents credit the expertise and team at Children’s with helping them to realize that there is no reason to hold him back from any dream that he has. Today Haedyn is an active, healthy 8-year-old. He enjoys school, wrestling with his brother, riding his four-wheeler and spending time with his friends.
This summer, Walmart and Sam’s Club are teaming up with Children’s Nebraska, a local member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), to raise critical
funds for children’s health.
Spark Good. Change Kids’ Health. Walmart and Sam’s Club are firm believers that every child deserves a healthy life. That’s why they’ve partnered with CMN Hospitals to raise vital funds for local children’s hospitals, making a significant impact on kids’ health in our communities.
How You Can Help:
During the campaign, you can easily “Spark Good” for the children in your community by shopping at Walmart or Sam’s Club:
- Donate at the register: Simply say “yes” when the cashier asks if you’d like to donate to CMN Hospitals.
- Donate online: Visit http://www.helpkidslivebetter.org/ to make a secure online donation.
- Donate through the Walmart app: While shopping on Walmart.com or the Walmart app, round up to CMN Hospitals during the campaign. Or select Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as your charity of choice and make CMN Hospitals your charity of choice.