La Pine rallies around child needing heart transplant

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The community of La Pine is coming together around a child and family in need of support - and a heart.

Braxton Twyman was diaonosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) shortly after he was born 14 months ago.

As a newborn, Braxton underwent a series of surgeries. Even though he survived, complications from his heart disease are preventing him from having further necessary surgeries.

Simply put: Braxton needs a new heart.

But finding an available and suitable heart for a young child can be difficult. The family has been burdened with additional expenses, like travel and lodging, while moving Braxton between various medical organizations.

Despite all of that, Braxton is growing into an energetic and happy child. When KTVZ News met with the Twyman family in La Pine, Braxton was playful and curious, despite being a little late for a nap. 

“He is the happiest baby you'll ever meet,” Braxton’s mother, Destinee Twyman told us. “Other than when he's grumpy, because he needs a nap, but it's every kid. He is obsessed with his dad right now. Everything is about Dad. He loves to swing. He loves being outside. Honestly, he just loves being a kid, outside of the hospital.”

Braxton’s energy and willingness to fight has inspiried the community of La Pine. Many local businesses have banded together to have a day to raise funds for the Twyman family.

There’s four events happening around Central Oregon, and all benefit Braxton in one way ore another.

This Sunday at 11 a.m., theres going to be a car show and poker event at General Duffy's in Redmond.

Sunriver Brewery and Rosland Coffee House are donating $1 to Braxton's family for every item sold.

Lastly, Legend Cider Company in La Pine is holding a big event, with a items raffled off.

You can learn more about Braxton at this Facebook page: “Braxton Twyman’s HLHS Journey”.