Team Kisses For Kenzie was started in honor of our warrior, Kenzie Caitlyn. Kenzie was born on May 22, 2015, with multiple heart conditions, including Complete Heart Block (why she needs her permanent pacemaker), Cardiomyopathy (Heart Failure), and Atrial Septal Defect. The first of her 3 heart surgeries was when she was only a few hours old and weighed just over 4lbs. Three months later, she developed a severe form of Neonatal Lupus, which caused painful open wounds all over her body. At that same time, Kenzie also went into heart failure and was in the hospital for several months. The doctors felt they were backed into a corner and that heart transplant was going to be the only option. Luckily, Kenzie held on and pushed through without having to go that route. Because of the heart failure, Kenzie had a feeding tube placed, which she used until she was 3.5 years old. She has spent many many months in the hospital over the course of her almost 7 years of life, and unfortunately, the hospital stays are not over for her, as Kenzie has another surgery scheduled on March 17th, 2022! We cannot thank the entire Children's Hospital staff for everything they have done to repeatedly save Kenzie's life. 

Team Kisses for Kenzie continues to bring hope and awareness to our friends, family, and beyond. We walk for Kenzie and others who have suffered heart conditions. Since we know Kenzie will be back at Children's for more surgeries throughout her life, we plan to do the AHA Twin Cities Heart Walk, along with the Walk For Amazing with Children's MN, every year that we can! We hope to grow our team year after year! It is the best way we know how to give back, so please join our team in honor of Kenzie! What is extra special about the Heart Walk is that we celebrate Kenzie's birthday every year during the walk! 

 

On the day of the event, please wear your Kisses For Kenzie t-shirt (if you have one) or red and blue (Congenital Heart Defect Awareness colors) to honor our favorite heart warrior! 
 
P.S. - Can you believe she is turning SEVEN?! What an incredible journey her life has been!