Kirbies Thunder Night
Kirbie Nicole Brittain May 10, 1993 – September 1, 2008
Kirbie Nicole Brittain was born May 10, 1993 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From day one, she was a vivacious, happy, strong willed girl.
At age 8, Kirbie was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma bone cancer. This tumor was located in her left ankle and required aggressive chemotherapy, as well as bone reconstruction. As the doctors explained the cancer and long battle that she would face, Kirbie never lost her sense of humor, her will to live and her desire to beat the cancer.
Kirbie underwent a nine ½-hour surgery to remove the tumor and rebuild her ankle and leg. The surgery was a success but left her with extensive rehabilitation for the next year. Near the end of her chemotherapy, Kirbie suffered heart and lung failure due to the chemotherapy. This caused a four-year battle with heart ailments.
At age 9, Kirbie was granted a Make – A – Wish trip. She chose to go to Disneyworld. Her trip included airfare for our entire family, rental car, accommodations at Give Kids the World Resort and VIP passes to five of the Disney parks for 7 days. We also received parking at each park and $1,000.00 spending money while in Florida. Staying at Give Kids the World, was truly one of the most uplifting and powerful experiences we have ever had. Every child staying there has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. Behind the locked gates, is a paradise that only very special people have the privilege to experience. This trip could not have been better. Kirbie was thrilled and in awe of everything, she did. Unfortunately, Kirbie was unable to ride many of the thrilling rides with her heart condition.
Finally, in February of 2007, Kirbie received her heart transplant. The transplant went very well and allowed her body to start growing. She was on her way to perfect health. As we all looked back, we were so blessed with beating Cancer and a failed heart. On August 15 of last year, we went to Six Flags, St. Louis. Kirbie and her brother rode every single ride. The laughing was so nice to see. After 6 years of wanting to ride a roller coaster, we were finally having the time of our lives.
At 2:30 AM the next morning, Kirbie awoke with chest pains and breathing problems, and as we called an ambulance, Kirbie had a seizure. We arrived at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to meet her doctors that have taken care of her for the last four years. The doctors found fluid around her heart and believed she was in rejection. At 8:00 AM, Kirbie had cardiac arrest. The doctors were able to revive her but only after 15 minutes. It was too late. Kirbie suffered severe brain damage and was in a Coma, never to regain her faculties. Kirbie fought for 16 days until she passed away at 2:15AM on September 1.
After further testing and a biopsy, it was discovered that Kirbie had actually died of a virus that had gotten into her body and attacked her heart. A simple virus called “Mono”. As we look at Kirbie’s life, we will always remember how she embraced life. Always so excited about everything she did. She was always positive, and lived for each day, seizing the moment. She knew that there was not an answer for everything, but felt that everything does happen for a reason. We feel that we were truly blessed, to have had the opportunity to have an angel with us for 15 years.
Friends of Kirbie & PrairieThunder
Friends of Kirbie driven by the Kirbie's Cause and PrairieThunder have joined forces to Benefit Kirbie's Charities. The approved charities currently are: SLCH Camp Rhythm and the Friends of Kirbie. The foundation will support Scholarships in the name of Kirbie Nicole Brittain. The Camp Rhythm is a camp for children with Heart Disease which Kirbie was a part of for 5 years!! Help us build our dream!
For Tickets
www.ticketmaster.com (Click on PrairieThunder April 3. Then type "Kirbie" in special offer or code.
Call 1-800-745-3000 Ticketmasters tell them April 3 with code of "Kirbie"
Call (309)434-2679 US Cellular Coliseum Box Office. Give them the code "Kirbie"
Call (309)585-0507 PrairieThunder Office. Give them the code "Kirbie"
