Kerringtons Heart

THE #1 BIRTH DEFECT.

THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH AT BIRTH.

AFFECTS 1 in 100 BABIES.

1 CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

WILL YOU?

Who is Kerrington?

Kerrington, a beautiful baby girl, was born January 20th, 2009 to Sam and Christy Johnson. Kerrington was diagnosed moments after birth with having Tetrology of Fallot, a series of congenital heart defects and Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome, a rare heart defect. Kerrington was immediately transported to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Kentucky Children’s Hospital , where she was released 6 days later with her prognosis and cause for her disease unknown. What was known was that Kerrington’s future would be filled with numerous heart surgeries; and the longer that we could wait, the greater her chance of survival. Sam and Christy learned the cause at Kerrington’s follow-up appointment with the Cardiologist. Kerrington had tested positive for Di-George Syndrome, a genetic disorder with varying conditions including heart defects. The months that followed consisted of numerous appointments with various specialists. The first months of Kerrington’s life were confined to home because of her immune deficiency and the fear of her coming in contact with illnesses that would weaken her heart. In May, she was admitted to Kentucky Children’s Hospital for seven days for failure to thrive. In September 2009 it was decided that it was in Kerrington’s best interest to move forward with her first major open heart surgery, which was performed on October 14, 2009. After a five hour surgery, Kerrington was taken to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she stayed for seven days. She was discharged two days later, knowing that the valve that was used would possibly need to be replaced in three to five years. It is because of Sam and Christy’s journey that Kerrington’s Heart, Inc. was established. “Our goal is to raise awareness in the community that Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect while also supporting the families that are going through this difficult time in their lives”, stated Christy Johnson.  Kerrington will undergo her second open heart surgery on May 7, 2013.

WHAT WE DO FOR KENTUCKY FAMILIES:

Kerrington’s Heart is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides
a wide variety of support to children affected by heart disease and their families.  We strive to assist patients and families through each step in their journey of dealing with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).  We offer comfort packages, certificates of bravery, educational support and financial assistance to families in need of meals, fuel and lodging.  We also offer a variety of craft activities and hospital room decorations to further encourage the children during their stay at the hospital.

Our “Heart to Heart” mom’s meetings are offered quarterly and provide an outlet for CHD mothers to connect with each other. 

By financially supporting the Children’s Heart Foundation, we participate in work to fund the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CHD.  We are also a proud sponsor of the Beads of Courage program at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.  This program enables children to tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have achieved along their unique treatment path.