Gavin

"ONE STEP, ONE PUNCH, ONE ROUND AT A TIME"

Aidan showcases Gavin's mantra on his water jug in honor of our newest hero.

Meet Gavin:

Gavin is 16 years old and loves skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, golfing and watching and going to Lions games.  

Gavin was born with a bicuspid aortic valve which was found by an annual pediatrician visit when he was 3. Early 2022 we noticed Gavin did not have the same stamina. Our intuitions were correct as tests in May 2022 revealed Gavin's valve had moderate-severe aortic valve insufficiency. July 5, 2022 Gavin had the Ross procedure which was successful, so we thought.

After routine follow ups, Gavin's
cardiologist found his valve was again, not functioning correctly. October 3, 2023
Gavin went in for his second open heart surgery. The surgeon tried to repair the valve which didn't work. The 8 hour long surgery ended with an On-x mechanical valve. The valve is working great and Gavin is feeling himself again.

On October 4th while in ICU Gavin began having issues with his left eye. He said he had blurred vision in his left eye and couldn't see well. This brought in a team of ophthalmologists who couldn't find anything so sent him for a MRI. The MRI showed Gavin had two micro-aneurysms.

He should have lost his vision or part of his vision, but did not due to an extra artery he was born with ONLY is his left eye.

In the MRI it was also determined Gavin has a 17mm right thalamic lesion. Since October 3rd Gavin has had several MRI's which showed no contrast to the thalamic lesion. In May 2024, another MRI showed the thalamic lesion had grown slightly, which led us to a biopsy on June 3rd. After two biopsy's (yes, two!) we received the worst news of our lives. The biopsy revealed our worst fear. Gavin has a Diffuse Midline Glioma. This tumor cannot be removed and does not have a cure at this time. On a positive note, this was caught before it has caused loss of any motor functions. We believe Gavin's eye issue was a calling from God. If it wasn't for his eye issue, we would not know about this awful tumor until it was to late.

We believe in miracles and have our faith. We ask all of our family and friends to continue praying for Gavin. Gavin WILL fight this and one day have a story that will inspire others.

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Gavin is a fighter and has shown fierce bravery throughout his journey. He inspires us to keep moving forward no matter what. He reminds us to put one foot in front of the other... one more step, one more punch at a time. That's why he's our hero.

Love Always,

Team Hutch