Team Kisses For Kenzie 

Team Kisses For Kenzie was created in honor of our incredible daughter, Kenzie. Kenzie is a beautiful, spunky, resilient, smart, kind, and generous, almost–11-year-old girl who takes on every challenge with courage and determination.

Kenzie was born on May 22, 2015, weighing just over four pounds. From the very beginning, her heart journey began. She was diagnosed with multiple heart conditions, including complete heart block (requiring a permanent pacemaker), cardiomyopathy (heart failure), and atrial septal defect (ASD). These diagnoses have led to four major heart surgeries so far—and a lifetime of resilience.

Kenzie’s Heart Journey

Just hours after birth, Kenzie’s doctors discovered her heart wasn’t functioning as hoped, and she needed her first emergency surgery. She was placed on a temporary pacemaker until she was strong enough for a permanent one, which was implanted a few weeks later. Kenzie spent her first month of life in the hospital.

After only two months at home, Kenzie suddenly stopped eating and was rushed back to the hospital. Doctors discovered she was in heart failure. A feeding tube was placed, which she relied on from 3½ months old until she was 3½ years old. During this time, Kenzie was also diagnosed with neonatal lupus, which caused painful open wounds across her body.

At around age 3, Kenzie faced another unexpected setback when her pacemaker suddenly failed, requiring her third heart surgery.

In February 2022, during a routine annual checkup, doctors discovered that the ventricular leads in Kenzie’s pacemaker had completely fractured. This led to yet another major surgery—her fourth heart surgery—which required opening both her chest and abdomen once again. That surgery took place on St. Patrick’s Day, 2022.

Kenzie Today

Kenzie will turn 11 years old on May 22, 2026, and she continues to amaze everyone who knows her. She has all the energy, attitude, and sass of an 11-year-old—paired with wisdom far beyond her years. She has never given up, and she has always carried a spark that shines through even the hardest moments. Kenzie is thriving in life - she is an amazing volleyball player and enjoys being in her school play! She is a wonderful daughter, sister, cousin, and friend who cares so deeply about everyone in her life. 

Her care team at Children’s, including her surgeon Dr. Moga, has said since she was an infant that Kenzie has something truly special. She is smart, intuitive, resilient, and strong in ways that inspire everyone around her.

Kenzie has taught our family—and so many others—what true strength and resilience look like. Watching her face unimaginable challenges and continue to thrive has given us a perspective on life we’ll always carry with us.

We are endlessly grateful for the lifesaving medical advancements, technologies, and the incredible doctors, nurses, and technicians who have walked alongside Kenzie and saved her life time and time again.

Why We Walk

Team Kisses For Kenzie walks to save lives.
By supporting the American Heart Association, we’re helping fund research, improve treatments, and give hope to families like ours.

Please consider joining our team or donating to help us reach our goal.
Together, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers.

Thank you for being part of Kenzie’s heart team.