Insurance, donations help cover costs for Duncan baby’s care
HealthDonors from across U.S. send money, messages to family of infant with lymphedema
BY VALLERY BROWN
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Published: November 7, 2009
DUNCAN — Kayden Ward has known the kind touch of helping hands his whole life. This week, his family felt it too.
Kayden’s parents and grandmother learned Tuesday that SoonerCare will cover compression suits to ease swelling caused by his congenital vascular lymphedema. Paperwork was being finalized Friday to pay for the garments that cost as much as $3,500 each. The family also received nearly $3,000 in donations from across the country to help Kayden.
Brittney Rodgriguez kisses her son Kayden Ward Friday. Photo by NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
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Donations pour in
One week ago, the family had received about $230 in donations towards the compression suits and other expenses.
After a story ran in The Oklahoman Oct. 31, the family has received nearly $3,000.
"I was shocked by how many people wanted to help, even in other states,” said Clay Ward, Kayden’s father.
Donors from California, Virginia, Ohio and across the state have sent money and messages through the family’s Web site, www.babykayden.org.
Kayden’s mother, Brittney Rodriguez, said this week she was given a washer and dryer from a Duncan appliance company. She said the letters of support and donations have helped the family.
"Everything is getting better. We’re getting the hang of things,” she said.
Other families whose children have lymphedema have reached out, and Rodriguez said she’s ready to share what she’s learned so far.
The lymphedema affects 11-week-old Kayden’s lymphatic system. He swells beneath the surface of his skin. The condition also makes him prone to dangerous skin infections.
The suits keep fluids moving through his small body.
The family was in Oklahoma City on Friday visiting a geneticist. So far, no one is sure what is causing the disease.
Howe said this is only the beginning for Kayden.
"He will have this disease the rest of his life,” she said. "We weren’t prepared for it when he was born, so we are doing everything we can to make sure we are ready for anything,” she said.
The family is hosting a benefit Dec. 13 at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha. Money made will go toward Kayden’s medical fund.
Howe said her grandson’s visits to specialists across the state are expensive, as are the special lotions, gauzes and other treatments he requires.
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