Each year, Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada identify a "champion" in their local community to represent kids treated at their children's hospital. This year, Casey Dyke of Folsom has been named CMN champion for UC Davis Children's Hospital through 2021.
Casey Dyke is the 2021 CMN at UC Davis Champion.
Dyke was in utero when doctors told his parents a crucial heart valve was missing. Just days after birth, he had his first heart surgery. By the time Dyke was 4 years old, he had four complex heart surgeries. His parents estimate that he spent a year in the Pediatric Cardiac and Intensive Care Unit (PCICU).
Now 16, Dyke has been able to live a regular life with the help of CMN donors, his UC Davis Children's Hospital care team and his parents, Michael and Gina, who are proud their son is the 2021 champion.
"It's amazing that a boy born with the odds against him can go on to have such a normal life," said Gina Dyke, Casey's mother. "I'm extremely grateful for what UC Davis has done for him."
Casey Dyke had four heart surgeries by the age of 4.
The family has spent years advocating for the charitable needs of sick and injured children in UC Davis Children's Hospital's 33-county service area. Now, their son can tell his own story.
"We are so excited to have Casey as our champion," said Michelle Tafoya, program director of Children's Miracle Network at UC Davis. "The Dykes have been dedicated to saving and improving children's lives since Casey was a toddler. Now, by sharing his own experience, Casey can continue that legacy of giving back by inspiring people to support sick and injured kids just like him."
The CMN Costco campaign runs through May 31.
