Luke’s Story

Back in 2017, sixteen weeks into their pregnancy, Linda and Clint Pilkinton heard the news; their baby would be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a rare congenital defect in which a part of the infant’s heart is underdeveloped or not there at all. The disease currently affects about 960 babies each year in the United States.

The news that their baby would be born with “half a heart” was devastating, leaving the couple feeling “helpless and hopeless,” and resulting in a very stressful pregnancy.

Born on December 21, 2017, Luke Pilkinton has already endured two open-heart surgeries and will require further surgery when he reaches three years of age.

Clint and Linda Pilkinton established the Bright Heart Foundation not only to anchor all-important research efforts but, by sharing their own story, to raise awareness and offer hope and support to those families dealing with the everyday challenges of CHD.

“Our first-hand experience has taught us that one of the most important tools for healing the sick, and to support their families and physicians, is to keep their hope alive,” Linda says. “Without genuine support and love from those around them, healing can be less successful for those precious infants who are struggling to survive.”

In 2020, WubbaNub and the Nashville Predators Foundation graciously co-produced the “Preds CHD Bear WubbaNub with Bright Heart Foundation for CHD fundraising efforts. This product still raises money at BrightHeartFoundation.org.

Thank you, WubbaNub!
Thank you, Nashville Predators Foundation!

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