EVERY STORY MATTERS
At Kaiden Kares, we walk alongside children battling congenital heart disease and their families through life’s most challenging moments. These are real stories of courage, love, and hope made possible by the support of a caring community. Here are just a few of the lives we’re honored to be a part of.
NICAOLE'S STORY
In the summer of 2025, Joe from Kaiden Kares reached out to me to see we were interested in having our son’s story featured at their annual Kaiden Kares softball tournament.
Maxwell, who we adoringly referred to as Mr. Max, was born in April of 2025 with a series of severe congenital heart defects, along with a genetic diagnosis.
Max was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Mitral Atresia, Aortic Atresia and Right Ventricle Non-Compaction. He was not a candidate for the life saving palliative surgeries and was being evaluated for a heart transplant when he passed away in August of 2025.
Originally, we had planned for just my husband and kids to attend, but after Max passed, we went as a family.
Though the team representing Max didn’t win the tournament, we were able to talk about Max frequently there and we felt our heart tug every time we heard the team yell “Max!” when finishing their huddle before the game.
Kaiden Kares provided us a glass plaque that we have proudly on display in his window that houses all of his favorite things.
The tournament was a month after Max passed, and being able to share his story with so many, be surrounded by others who understood the strain and pain of medical life, and being showered by laughter and fun…well, that meant so much to us.
Any opportunity to share Max’s life, is an opportunity for us to show him our love and to keep his memory alive. I’m thankful that Kaiden Kares provided us an opportunity to do so.
EMILY'S STORY
Our family is so grateful for Kaiden Kares and the support they provide to families. During our 60 day NICU stay with our heart warrior, they provided us with the most thoughtful bag of comfort items and gift cards, including things for our son to do while we stayed at the hospital.
They made every member of our family feel cared for, seen and understood during the hardest days of our lives.
Their kindness, dedication, and willingness to help made a real difference in our hospital experience. I truly appreciate all they do for people in need and the positive impact they continue to make in our community.
TOGETHER,
WE BRING HOPE.
TOGETHER,
WE CHANGE LIVES.
​Every story is a reminder of why we do what we do. Thank you for standing with families affected by congenital heart disease and helping us make a meaningful difference.