Hayden was born 7 weeks premature weighing in at 4 lbs ½ an ounce on June 5, 2002. The delivery room nurse mentioned a heart murmur prior to his birth. Hayden was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis the day after he was born. He had his first heart catheterization balloon at 8 days old and his first open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve at 6 years old. We found Texas Children’s Hospital and Dr. Charles Fraser by the grace of God. A simple email to Dr. Fraser with little hope of a reply turned in to the best medical decision we could make for Hayden. Dr. Fraser performed Hayden’s second open heart surgery, an aortic resection, at 11 years old. At 13, Hayden underwent his third open heart surgery, the Ross Procedure performed by Dr. Charles Fraser. Hayden has undergone numerous catheterization procedures over the years. The latest performed by his wonderful Texas Children’s cardiologist, Dr. Aimee Liou, when Hayden was 16. Hayden is now 17 and will begin his senior year of high school this fall. He plans to attend college next fall to become a firefighter and paramedic with plans to become a careflight medic in the future.
The Transition Team at Texas Children’s introduced Hayden to Hunt with Heart. Hayden loves to hunt and be outdoors. From the moment Hayden arrived at Beaver Creek and met Joe D he knew Hunt with Heart was a perfect fit. He has always had restrictions relating to athletic activity and we are so thankful for the opportunity for him to be able to participate in such a wonderful program with kids that truly understand. Hayden will forever cherish the friends and memories he made at Beaver Creek and DD Ranch.
Thank you to Jim and JoAnn Elzner, The Transition Team, Joe Z, Joe D and the entire Hunt with Heart organization for including Hayden and our entire family in this amazing organization. The work you do for these special kids is truly amazing and life changing.
Thank you again for such an amazing opportunity. Sincerely, Hayden Ince…parents, Terry and JoAnna Ince, and little brother, Landen Ince