Racing Community Rallies Around 21-Month-Old Ladson As He Awaits A Heart Transplant

Racing Community Rallies Around 21-Month-Old Ladson As He Awaits A Heart Transplant

by March 10, 2019 0 comments

When a member of the racing community is hurting, the industry has their back. Right now, the East Coast grassroots asphalt racing community is rallying around 21-month-old Ladson Hardesty who is awaiting a heart transplant.

Ladson is the son of Florence, South Carolina’s Dr. Nikki Milligan and James Hardesty, and he is also the grandson of Toby Milligan who competes regularly in the Late Model and Charger divisions at Florence Motor Speedway and Dillon Motor Speedway. The heart transplant is needed, because Ladson is suffering from a rare congenital heart disease called Ebstein Anomaly. Ladson’s tricuspid valve between his heart’s right atrium and right ventricle isn’t operating the way that it needs to be due to the abnormality. Although he recently had open heart surgery, Ladson is moving around as much as possible as the doctors try to strengthen his body for the upcoming transplant procedure when a heart becomes available.

KEEP UP WITH LADSON’S JOURNEY: Loving Ladson on Facebook

In an effort to help raise money for the family as they await the heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the Facebook group, Local Racing Connection is selling t-shirts, hats and wristbands. The Facebook group that boasts more than 12,000 followers was founded by Milligan, who is currently in Minnesota with his daughter and her husband. Milligan’s wife Sharon, aka ‘Precious’ to the grandchildren and Landon’s five-year-old brother Zander are still in South Carolina awaiting good news.

“Our hope and prayers is that through Ladson’s journey he can help bring awareness to how important the organ donor process is,” Milligan said. “While we can be tough competitors at the racetrack, we all come together when one of our own is in need. Racing makes us one big family. Our family can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support. God is guiding us through this test, and hopefully Ladson and all of us will be back home in South Carolina and back at the racetrack in the not so distant future.”

As for the sales of the merchandise, 100% of the funds earned will go towards the family’s medical and related travel expenses. Candy Melton who moderates the Local Racing Connection Facebook page says that sales are doing quite well.

“Wow, I am speechless at how well our hats and t-shirts have taken off,” Melton said. “Thanks to all who are contributing to this fundraiser. Keep the orders coming. I promise you will not be disappointed at the quality of these shirts/hats. If you haven’t purchased one yet don’t miss out. All proceeds go to little Ladson Hardesty who is currently in Rochester, Minnesota awaiting a heart transplant.”

Wristbands are just $5, while hats are $18 and t-shirts are $19.95. Shipping is included in those prices. If you are interested in purchasing merchandise benefitting Ladson, contact Candy Melton at 843-610-7710. A check or money order can be sent in attention to Candy Melton at the following address: 815 Arin Street, Florence, SC 29501.

Photo Credit: Toby Milligan Facebook

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