Children's Heart Foundation (Kody Kasper Turns 18)

Looking back on this past year of COVID it had brought to my attention just how blessed I am. I have been thinking about how I can make a difference to support others or a cause that is important to me. For my 18th birthday this year (June 13th) my wish is for your support of a specific cause that is close to me, my family and especially for my friend Shay.

Shay is 12 years old and is the daughter to one of my Moms best friends. Although I am not close to Shay personally, I have been praying for her for a very long time. Shay was born with what is called Heterotaxy.

From my research, I have learned that Heterotaxy is characterized by having internal organs that are not arranged as would be expected in the chest and abdomen. This can cause organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, intestines, and spleen to not work correctly. Symptoms of these organs working incorrectly may include breathing difficulties, having a bluish color to the skin, heart defects and problems digesting food. People with Heterotaxy may have a missing spleen or they may have a spleen that is divided into many smaller parts. If the function of the spleen is affected, this can cause a reduced ability to fight infections.

Shay is a fighter! Shay has went through many surgeries however on May 13, 2021 she will face another heart surgery and liver procedure at Seattle Children’s Hospital. I want to support Shay and other children impacted by this rare disease. Donations made directly to the Children’s Heart Foundation go exclusively to research for congenital heart disease in children. Please support this great organization and please pray for my friend Shay on May 13th as she faces this next journey in her life.

Thank you for your support! Kody Kasper