Hayden's Hope (Hayden Despenas)

11/07/2023

We are so grateful to Brenda and the amazing team at Boulder Tap House - Mason City ! Thank you for embracing Hayden and supporting him as he continues his journey with Friedreich’s Ataxia and a new heart. We are honored that you have chosen Hayden's Hope (Hayden Despenas) as the recipient of your charitable contribution this quarter! ❤️

07/22/2023

Hayden gave Chelsey roller skates for her birthday. ❤️🥹 I think the gift was actually for us. 🎁💝

07/03/2023

Charlie 2 year old sh*tzu Last seen in Clear Lake, Iowa Corner of South Shore Drive and Bayside Please call if seen or found 641-903-1...

06/23/2023

Happy 1st birthday to Hayden’s Heart! ♥️

06/10/2023

And 365 days later….he’s playing Minecraft. ❤️🙏🏻
What a remarkable journey it has been.

03/03/2023

Dear FA Community,
Your efforts have changed the course of a rare disease. Friedreich’s Ataxia is no longer a condition "without a treatment." Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) is the first-ever approved treatment for FA. This approval was only possible because of your support and participation. You helped make this happen. Thank you!

02/28/2023

Remember that petition y‘all signed back in 2021?? Well…it made a MONUMENTAL difference! Today the FDA approved the very first and ONLY treatment for Friedreich’s Ataxia!! This is what happens when people come together to move mountains!
We are so incredibly grateful for your love and support!!
Now- LET’S CURE THIS THING!!! ❤️

10/17/2022

For many years, the Mason City Fire Department has been a major source of support for Hayden. It is an honor to him to be an Honorary Firefighter, and we are incredibly grateful for everything his FF brothers and sisters do to show him how much they care. The welcome home parade was amazing! Thank you MCFD!!

08/01/2022

Hayden's 19th birthday wasn't exactly what we thought it would be. However, after spending 52 days in the hospital we wanted to make it as memorable as possible! 34 birthday cards, 27 text messages, 19 balloons, 7 presents, 3 visitors (even though we broke COVID protocol...), 2 FaceTime calls, 2 puppies, 1 light show, a game of blackjack and a mango smoothie...best gift of all?? That huge, genuine smile! We're blessed to be celebrating his birthday for another year! Thanks to all of you who reached out in one way or another..and especially Lindsey at Mohawk Groomers for getting the puppies ready for this special visit! ❤️
https://gofund.me/89adf216

07/29/2022

Hayden is slowly progressing in his recovery. However many obstacles have been thrown in his path. After struggling with his respiratory function, we were discouraged to learn that he tested positive for COVID today. His birthday is Monday, and we had some fun surprises to lift his spirits. However, now they will have to wait. He is only allowed to have Dana and I as visitors for the next 20 days while is in isolation protocol.
This is a blow to his morale, as you can imagine! If you'd like to send a card to wish him a happy birthday, they can be mailed to:
Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary's Campus
Mary Brigh 6D Room 708
Rochester, MN 55902
We will also be closing the GoFundMe campaign on Monday, August 1st in honor of his birthday. If you are interested in contributing, the link is included below.
Our appreciation for the love and support you continue to show our family is beyond measure. 💕

Hi, my name is Lisa Scholl. Our dear friends Sarah and Dana Despenas are s… Lisa Scholl needs your support for Keeping Hayden’s family close through recovery

07/11/2022

After only a few days out of the ICU, we received a call today at 5:00 am telling us that Hayden was being transferred back to the transplant ICU. He had been found unresponsive and was experiencing severe respiratory distress. I know I have said many, many times how grateful we are to be staying so close to Hayden. It took me only a few minutes to reach him after receiving the call this morning. When I arrived Hayden was wide-eyed and scared. The hospital monitors tell the story of what is going on inside of him when he is unable to use his voice...and it was clear. He was terrified! He has experienced near death moments 3 times in 31 days. His trust level is quite low at the moment...but when he saw my face, his blood pressure and pulse rate dropped, he closed his eyes and went to sleep. It was so comforting to both of us that I could be there so quickly to hold his hand, rub his forehead and let him know that he was safe.
We are so very grateful for all of you for making it possible for us to stay a few steps away from our boy.
This evening we hope to rest.
With sincere gratitude,
Sarah & Dana
https://gofund.me/89adf216

07/04/2022

365 days later...we are celebrating the 4th of July from Mary Brigh 5G!
For those of you who haven't been able to follow Hayden's CaringBridge page, we wanted to give you a quick update. Hayden was able to miraculously receive a heart transplant on June 22nd after he experienced acute heart failure on June 10th. We have been with him in Rochester, at St. Mary's hospital for the past 25 days, and plan to be here for 4-5 more months as he recovers. Our dear friend, Lisa Scholl started a GoFundMe to help with expenses while we're here with Hayden. I have included the link below.
Initially, we weren't concerned with the financial impact a long stay in Rochester would be. It becomes more clear every day, now that we're in our 4th week here with Hayden. Your thoughtfulness and generosity helps relieve some of that burden, and we are extremely grateful.
Blessings to you all on America's birthday! 🇺🇸 💕
https://gofund.me/9141fc95