2010 Jaden's Day

This year we celebrated our 3rd Annual Jaden's Day celebration...Our local paper came to our home and we got to share our story about Jaden's Life...for those of you who didn't get a chance to read the Herald News or our link that we posted here's what they had to say:

By Morgan Rose

When Jaden McBride was born with multiple heart defects and underwent several major surgeries, his parents were surrounded by the love and support of the community and beyond. Now, two years later, James and Kacey McBride want to give back.

Jaden was born on March 18, 2008, and it was discovered that he had five heart defects. On the same day, he was taken to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville for open-heart surgery. This was the beginning a long road of surgeries and treatments for the little boy.

Four days after the open-heart surgery, Jaden began to have seizures. A CAT scan told doctors that the seizures were caused by a grade 3/4 hemorrhage in his brain. The hemorrhage led to hydrocephalus, a condition in which fluid builds up inside the skull and leads to swelling of the brain.

As a result, Jaden endured a number of operations. His parents put their lives on hold in order to stay by his side. They moved into the Ronald McDonald House in Louisville, making it home for 106 days.

During this time, Jaden’s parents were overwhelmed by the support of their friends, family and even complete strangers. On May 31, while Jaden was still in the hospital, LaRue Baptist Church, where the McBrides attend, held “Jaden’s Day,” a benefit in honor of the little boy they’d been praying for.

One year later, Jaden was in the hospital for another surgery, and the church held the second annual Jaden’s Day in which they sold T-shirts and showed their support.

Today, Jaden has 16 operations behind him, 10 of which have been brain surgeries. His last surgery was in April. He receives regular therapy at home and in Louisville.

At his recent doctor’s visit, Jaden was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. This condition is a result of the hydrocephalus, and though it is another obstacle added on to a list of many, Jaden’s parents refuse to be anything less than determined.

“ He’s our first baby and it’s hard. We just have to devote everything we have to him ... so that he can be everything he can ... the only thing we can do is just work with him and try to give him the best,” said Kacey McBride.

McBride said that one thing that has kept them going over the past two years has been the support of the people of Hodgenville.

“He’s become a part of so many people’s lives. All the churches have sent cards, and people sign their names because they’ve prayed for Jaden. I have kept them all, and I hope that, when Jaden gets older, I can bring those out and show him.”

For this year’s Jaden’s Day, the family is planning a celebration that Jaden’s life deserves, and they hope that his supporters will join them. The focus for this year is hydrocephalus, and McBride said they hope to raise awareness about Jaden’s condition. She also said that they hope to use this day to share their story and to thank everyone who has been a part of it.

“We hope that the community comes out and shows their support. If someone has prayed for us, this is a great way to come and celebrate with us.”

The third annual Jaden’s Day will be held May 31 at LaRue Baptist Church with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. McBride said they plan to make barbecued pulled pork and sell plate dinners for $5. There will be cornhole for adults and inflatable games for children. Those who attend Jaden’s Day can also buy T-shirts for $13.

All money raised during Jaden’s Day will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Louisville, the McBrides’ home for the first four months of Jaden’s life.

“We want to be able give back to the Ronald McDonald House because they were so good to us while we stayed there,” said McBride.

One of the themes for this year’s Jaden’s Day is a Bible verse found in Psalms: “God is a our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

McBride said that God’s strength has been their source of survival over the past two years.

“The only thing that’s helped us get through this is the Lord and seeking his word. He is our only source of strength ... he shows his strength through Jaden. Jaden wants to live, he fights so hard and that’s what keeps us going. He’s the strongest little guy that I know, and after all he’s been through, he still smiles.”

What a great day...The weather was perfect...Had an unbelievable turnout...Raised over $1,100.00...

Thanks to every single person that had a part in this years celebration couldn't have done it without you...

Once we have collected all our money on the shirt orders we will be able to drive up to Louisville Ronald McDonald and give them all the proceeds...Can't wait...Will post pictures soon.....