Aces For Aiden

Who is Aiden McVicker?
Aiden McVicker is the 7 year old son of Jamey and Amy McVicker.  He resides in their Cameron home with two siblings, Avery-4, and Addison-1.  Aiden has an extraordinary spirit and an unmatched love of life that the world needs to know about.   

Aiden was born on May 4^th, 2001 with Bilateral Anophthalmia.  This means that he was born without eyes or any eye structure (optic chiasm, nerve, etc.).  As a result, Aiden does not have vision or light perception.  His treatment, as of now, concentrates on protecting the ocular cavity and associated sinuses by preventing the frontal bone from collapsing on the voided area.  This treatment has entailed four surgeries thus far, the most recent using “hydrogel expanders”, a cutting edge prosthesis for the United States.  These implants are inserted and sutured into the orbital void to provide the pressure necessary to prevent collapse.     

Aiden’s spine developed Neuromuscular Scoliosis at the age of 4.  He endured a corrective brace for 1 year with no improvement.  In June of 2006, it was deemed necessary for surgical intervention before the curve progressed more, or Aiden’s quality of life would be diminished and drastically reduced.  While undergoing testing for the corrective spine surgery, it was found that his lower spinal cord would need to be untethered to allow the spinal cord to be extended.  This meant another spine surgery in October 2006 to prepare for “the big one.”     

In January of 2007, this 5 year old boy then underwent a 6 hour “growth rod” spine surgery, comprised of rods inserted on each side of his spine.  The rods were then anchored in his hips and upper vertebrae with screws.  He spent 5 days in ICU on a ventilator and other support monitors.  Biannual surgeries are required as Aiden grows. During these procedures, an adjustable “connector” is accessed to lengthen, compensating for growth.  Between 11-13 years of age, one final surgery will be necessary to fuse his spine and stop the growing process.

Aiden’s mom, Amy, is employed as an Accounts Payable/Tax Clerk with the City of Cameron, Missouri, and has been there for four years.  Dad, Jamey, has been a Firefighter for the City of St. Joseph, Missouri for eight years.  Aiden is a deafblind student at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City, Missouri three days per week and attends Cameron as a 1^st grader, one day per week.  Aiden was also diagnosed with moderate hearing loss and wears aids to assist his audition.

Aiden is the most fun-loving, trusting and hard-working kid one could meet.  The moment you hold him, see him smile or hear his giggle, you realize that he gives so much of himself to you.  He cannot verbally express his strong spirit, but he knows how to love despite the fact that he has had to fight for every second to do it!  Aces Fore Aiden was established to honor him and his spirit.  It is the wish of his parents that he may touch as many people possible and that his All-American spirit be embodied in us all.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Aiden McVicker Medical Trust Fund.  Monies will also be distributed to schools and organizations, such as CCVI of KC, and UCP of St. Joseph, etc.  Some may also be used to assist families in the area needing assistance for educational classes/conferences, and adaptive devices, etc. for their child’s special needs.  Other donations will include, but not be limited to:  Assistance for camps, competitions, and other sports/cultural booster activities.