Breckyn Reynolds celebrated her first birthday by collecting items for care packages to be given to parents of children with congenital heart defects who must spend time in the hospital. She invites others to help with this project. (Blade photo by Jay Lowell)

Giving to others in time of need marks Breckyn Reynolds' first birthday

By Sharon Coy

Breckyn Reynolds' first birthday celebration, June 12, highlighted giving more than receiving, and with good reason.
When Breckyn, daughter of Kim and J.T. Reynolds, rural Concordia, was only five weeks old, she was taken to the emergency room at Republic County Hospital in Belleville and, soon after, flown to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Here, it was discovered Breckyn had three heart defects: transposition of the great arteries, a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary valve stenosis.
The flight crew and Children’s Mercy nurses described her as the most critical patient they had ever had. She was in surgery 45 minutes after her arrival for what doctors described as a “temporary fix” in hopes it would serve until she was older and stronger. However, one week later, it was found the “fix” was not sufficient and more invasive open heart surgery had to be done.
On March 11, Breckyn underwent more surgery to fix the Gore-Tex® patch to redirect the blood flow. Baby cadaver tissue was used for reconstruction outside of the heart, so that the pulmonary artery and aorta were getting blood where it needed to go.
In the the first nine months of her life, Breckyn had three heart catheters and two open heart surgeries.
Just two days after Breckyn was flown to CMH, Kim was sitting in the Pediatric ICU when a nurse brought in a large box addressed to her and J.T. In this box were items such as travel size shampoo, conditioner, tissues, aspirin, a gift card to the cafeteria and a book called “It’s My Heart,” which explains every possible heart defect and how it is treated.
“It was amazing to go through this stuff because it is everything you need but nothing you have time to pack or remember to pack when you are put in an emergency situation,” Kim said.
Later, Kim learned about and joined a support group called Congenital Heart Defects Families Association or CHD Families. “Congenital heart defects are the number one birth defect, killing more babies than children’s cancer,” Kim said.
Through her association with CHD Families, Kim learned that care packages such as the one she and J.T. received are one of the projects this group undertakes.
In corresponding with Valerie Rexin, executive director of CHD Families, Kim learned that last year more than 190 babies with heart defects came through the pediatric unit, but they barely had enough items to make 80 care packages.
Kim said that it was then that she realized Breckyn’s purpose on earth. "It is to make sure that all these babies and their families had care packages," she said.
That is where Breckyn"s first birthday initiated the joy of giving. Instead of having a birthday party and having people bring gifts to her, she suggested in an invitation on her CaringBridge page on the Internet that people bring care package items for the CHD Organization in Kansas City to make packages for parents in their time of need.
Thus far, Breckyn has collected $394 and a huge basket of care package items.
Her birthday collection is continuing until July 13. Travel size toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, tissues, a toothbrush, disposable razors, chapstick, notepads or cash donations for purchasing toiletry items, cafeteria gift cards or material for making blankets are all welcome. Items may be brought to the Catholic Parish Hall or to the Admissions Office at Cloud County Community College.
Breckyn is now at home with her parents and sisters, Peyton, 9, and Kendall, 6. She is under the care of Dr. Nolan Beaver, Belleville, who delivered her and who consults regularly with the cardiology team from Children’s Mercy. She will be returning to Children’s Mercy in mid-July for a checkup and to personally deliver the birthday collection of CHD care package items.
People may keep track of Breckyn's progress by logging on to caringbridge.org and visiting her site, breckynreynolds.

User Comments

Dr. D
"I am glad to see your daughter is doing so well with all that she has gone through. She is a beautiful little girl who looks so much like her mother. Sorry J. "
Posted by Dennis Silver on Jul. 15, 2009
Happy 1st Breckyn :)
"Happy 1st Birthday Breckyn!... what an amazing contribution! This will help brighten the day for so many families. "
Posted by Becky Stoddard on Jun. 25, 2009
So awesome!
"Wow!! What you have done is a great example of giving back. So awesome! Breckyn will be helping so many heart kids and their families. You guys are so incredible!"
Posted by Kellee Sluder on Jun. 24, 2009
Baby B!
"Not too many 1 year olds are out there helping others. I can see her going to far places as her life continues. She has a very strong family. This is an awesome cause and I can't wait to help out! Happy Belated Birthday Baby B! "
Posted by Kristen Levendofsky on Jun. 24, 2009
Congrats on #1 Breckyn!!!
"OMG, this is the most endearing project!!! I am SOOO proud of you to take this experience (that is horrifyingly SCARY to even read about) and turn it into a process that can now help others! Bless you both AND your beautiful girls!!! "
Posted by Nacolle Monty Burke on Jun. 24, 2009
The Snyders
"Kim, Breckyn, and Family~ What a thoughtful giving way to enrich others! Love~ The Snyders"
Posted by Traci Snyder on Jun. 24, 2009
Thank you!!
"Thank you all so much for helping CHD Families help others!!!"
Posted by valerie janke rexin on Jun. 24, 2009
..
"Very cool - what a good cause!"
Posted by Kathryn M on Jun. 24, 2009
Debbie's Uncle
"What a beautiful little girl. The birthday party idea is such a wonderful cause. I will see what we can do to contribute. Happy Birthday Breckyn! Kenny & Cindy White "
Posted by Kenny White on Jun. 24, 2009