Stefano’s Stories: Giving with your whole heart

February 2026

For many kids, birthdays are full of special moments, but 8-year-old Jaxon has an even more meaningful and inspiring milestone to celebrate. In January 2026, he and his family marked eight years since the heart transplant that saved his life.

“We are thrilled to share that from a heart perspective, Jaxon is doing exceptionally well. We celebrate these milestones knowing that nothing is certain when a child’s health is at risk,” says Kristyn. “We are deeply grateful for his stability and the care he gets at HSC Children’s Hospital.”

February is Heart Month, a time to bring our awareness to the cardiac care kids in our province need. For Jaxon and his family, that focus is all year round – with many trips to the Travis Price Children’s Heart Centre.

“Jaxon’s journey highlights the critical importance of continued innovation, research, and support for children living with complex medical needs,” says Kristyn.

Jaxon was born with a serious condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a severe condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, forcing the right side to work harder. He will continue to rely on HSC Children’s Hospital as he grows, and his family is deeply grateful for the state-of-the-art pediatric cardiac clinic, the Travis Price Children’s Heart Centre, made possible by generous donors to the Better Futures campaign like Barb and Gerry Price.

“I truly believe in the power of donors who invest in HSC Children’s Hospital—because you never know when you or your child may need that care,” says Kristyn. “Every donation matters and makes a real impact.”

In October 2025, Jaxon was diagnosed with Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy, a long-term complication that can occur after heart transplantation. Thanks to vigilant monitoring, groundbreaking research, and the expertise of his dedicated cardiology team, Jaxon continues to do well and remains under close, proactive care.

“While navigating this level of care can be overwhelming, Jaxon faces it all with courage and strength,” says Kristyn. “I credit the incredible hospital staff and generous donors who help make HSC Children’s a safe, supportive place for children like Jaxon.”

Just one month after his CAV diagnosis, Jaxon also had allergy testing, which confirmed allergies to peanuts, shrimp, and egg. Around the same time, he had a fifth scope to monitor another condition, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, where too many white blood cells build up in the esophagus causing inflammation, difficulty swallowing and pain. Encouragingly, the results showed improvement and healing in his stomach and esophagus compared to his previous scope earlier in 2025.

For a family that spends so many days at HSC Children’s, donors that give with their whole hearts make all the difference.

“From receiving a cozy blanket in emergency, to an Easter Bunny surprise with gifts, to a small gift card that helps ensure parents are cared for too – these acts of kindness make an immeasurable difference,” says Kristyn.

Families like Jaxon’s will continue to benefit from the child-friendly space at the Travis Price Children’s Heart Centre, leading-edge equipment like remote-monitoring equipment and groundbreaking research made possible thanks to donors.

Today, Jaxon continues to thrive and is become a huge sports fan—especially hockey, football, and basketball. He loves attending live games to cheer on the Winnipeg Jets and the Blue Bombers.

Kristyn is deeply thankful for generous donors who have supported her family all throughout their journey.

“Being the recipient of someone’s generosity is a truly humbling experience, and I have seen firsthand the profound impact it has on families like ours.”