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