From Heart Surgery to Hope: How One Mom Brought Paul Mitchell The School Lexington to Kerrington’s Heart

For many local businesses, community involvement isn't just an addition to the mission statement—it’s the heart of everything they do. At Kerrington’s Heart, we are continually inspired by local entrepreneurs and organizations who step up to bring support, hope, and healing to Kentucky kids and families navigating congenital heart disease (CHD).

Through our monthly series Hearts in Business, we sit down with local leaders to showcase how simple, powerful, and meaningful community giving can be.

Today, we are thrilled to feature Kasey Planck, Financial Services Advisor at Paul Mitchell The School Lexington, who shares a deeply personal connection to CHD and a passion for supporting local heart families.

What is your personal connection to CHD and Kerrington's Heart?

Kasey: My husband was born with a congenital heart defect that was unfortunately left untreated and unmonitored for most of his life. At 29 years old, he went to the ER thinking he was having a heart attack. While it wasn't a heart attack, doctors incidentally discovered a 5.2 cm aneurysm on his ascending aorta.

He was referred to UK Cardiothoracic Surgery, where we learned he needed life-saving open-heart surgery to reconstruct his ascending aorta and replace his aortic valve with a mechanical valve. He had his surgery on October 31, 2025, and has been doing amazing ever since. (A huge thank you to Dr. Sekela!)

At the time, I was 26 weeks pregnant with our first child. I spent the final six weeks of my pregnancy caring for my husband as he recovered from one of the biggest surgeries a person can undergo.

Our amazing son was born on December 13, 2025. During our hospital stay, we requested an echocardiogram (ECHO) for him, which confirmed that he was born with the exact same CHD as my husband.

There is nothing more important in this world to me than my family. My husband has been through so much, and I will do everything in my power to give my son the best shot possible at a long, healthy life.

After my son was born, it became my personal mission to give back to the community that truly understands this journey. After speaking with my mother—who previously worked for the American Heart Association—I searched for a local organization where we could see the tangible impact right here in Kentucky. That’s how I found Kerrington’s Heart.

Tell us about your business! What do you do?

Kasey: At Paul Mitchell The School Lexington, our mission is to provide a high-quality educational system that prepares students to pass the state board examination and gain successful employment in cosmetology and beauty arts.

Our vision is simple: When people come first, success will follow.

We focus on celebrating diversity, bringing out the best in people, and giving back both locally and globally. Pursuing excellence in every aspect of a Paul Mitchell education means instilling strong values of service into our future professionals.

How does your business give back, and what motivates you to support Kentucky families?

Kasey: Giving back is a core part of the Paul Mitchell culture. While our schools partner with national charities each year, individual campuses are encouraged to choose local organizations to support. When I brought this cause to our school's owner, he wholeheartedly agreed that we can never do too much to give back.

Year-round, we provide free haircuts and services to many Kentucky children and families. Hosting toy drives and fundraising events is a regular part of our culture. We know that not everyone in life gets an easy path, so we consider it our duty to show our students that giving back locally is always the right thing to do.

Kasey and co-workers at Paul Mitchell The School Lexington

Partner With Kerrington's Heart

Is your local business looking for ways to support Kentucky families navigating pediatric heart disease? Whether it's hosting a toy drive, organizing a fundraiser, or offering services to heart families, your support creates a lasting impact.

Learn more about becoming a Hearts in Business partner today by emailing info@kerringtonsheart.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Lyla Martin Takes Her Heart for Advocacy to the Miss Danville Stage!

At Kerrington’s Heart, we are constantly inspired by the incredible individuals who make up our community—especially those who have walked the CHD journey from the very beginning. Today, we are thrilled to put the spotlight on one Lyla Martin.

Lyla is taking her passion for Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) awareness to the stage as she competes in the upcoming Miss Danville Pageant on August 1st! Her chosen Community Service Initiative (CSI) centers entirely around raising awareness for CHD and supporting the mission of Kerrington’s Heart.

A Personal Story Rooted in Family

For Lyla, advocating for heart families isn't just a project—it's personal.

"This is not just something I support; it is a part of my family’s story. My younger brother, Rex, was born with a CHD in 2012, and Kerrington’s Heart showed up for us with support, encouragement, and community during one of the most challenging times in our lives."

That early connection sparked a spark in Lyla that has only grown stronger over the years.

A Decade of Action and Giving Back

Lyla didn't wait until she was older to make a difference. She started participating in our annual 5K walk/run back in 2013 as a child. As she grew into high school, her impact exploded:

During her junior and senior years, Lyla chose Kerrington’s Heart as the beneficiary for her school's Sadie Hawkins dance—raising over $8,000 through ticket sales and donations!

Today, she serves as a race volunteer and our Social Media Marketing Assistant, helping us share stories, promote events, and educate audiences far and wide.

"Kerrington’s Heart has shaped my life for more than a decade, transforming me from a child whose family receives support into a young woman ready to play a small part in the support of others."

Inspiring Hope for the Future

Lyla’s goal moving forward is to use creative marketing, storytelling, and community engagement to make sure no heart family ever feels alone.

"I believe that every conversation, shared story, and community event has the power to educate others about congenital heart disease while creating a community of hope for families walking a similar journey. My goal is to ensure that every family facing a congenital heart diagnosis knows they are never alone."

Come Out & Support Lyla on August 1st!

We couldn't be prouder to have Lyla representing the CHD community and Kerrington’s Heart.

Join us in cheering her on at the Miss Danville Pageant on August 1st! Let’s fill the audience with love and support for a young woman who has given so much of her heart to others.