Hi, we are Darryl and Karen Cook, the owners of Landscape Lighting Guru. We created the Landscape Lighting Guru Heart Walk team in support of our son Grayson, a Survivor Spokesperson for the 2024 Heart Walk San Antonio. 

Grayson was born in March of 2006 at 27 weeks, he weighed only 1lb, 14oz and had several serious medical issues. Grayson’s cardiologist heard a slight murmur and ordered an echocardiogram. This revealed a supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, leading to a diagnosis of Noonan Syndrome. Grayson had open heart surgery on June 9. During this surgery, the cardiothoracic surgeon repaired the defect, as well as the associated dysplastic leaflets and closed an Atrial Septal Defect. Two months later we were able to bring him home. 

Since that time, Grayson has done remarkably well. He loves movies, theater and all things Marvel. He is an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Smithson Valley High School in May of this year. He currently works nearly full time at Antlers Cafe and plans to go to community college in Spring 2025. He, of course, sees his Cardiologist regularly and at this point no further interventions are needed, although someday he will likely need another surgery as his condition progresses or deteriorates, which is often the case as children with this defect get older. We will face that situation when it comes. For now, Grayson is focused on working hard, making plans for his future, and giving back to the communities who have supported him through his journey. 

Grayson is our “why”, but we all know someone who has been affected by a heart related medical event or stroke. Think about those you know who have been affected by heart disease or stroke. The advancements in technology, techniques and research, along with education programs, brought through fundraising events such as this, will help countless people in the future. It might even help you or someone you love someday. 

It would make our hearts so happy for you to join our Heart Walk team since you are already such an important part of the LLG team! Please help us in supporting the critical research needed to help those like Grayson, as well as the millions of others affected by heart disease and stroke. And please come walk with us at the 2024 San Antonio Heart Walk, a family friendly event, on November 9th!