Gay Parita

Art That Makes a Difference was inspired by the experience of life-long Kansas City residents, Joyce and Jack Hayhow. In August of 1977, the Hayhow's son, Brian, was born with a critical heart defect. Children's Mercy assembled an open-heart surgery team in the middle of the night to perform life-saving surgery.

Brian grew up to be a husband, father, valued member of the Kansas City business community, and founder of the Children's Mercy Ambassadors. On April 17, 2015 Brian passed away at the age of 37. Art That Makes a Difference supports the institution that gave Joyce and Jack Hayhow the greatest gift of their lives – 37 years with their remarkable son.

Every year, thousands upon thousands of children and their families receive loving, life-changing, and often, life-saving care from Children's Mercy. Art That Makes a Difference honors the life and legacy of Brian Hayhow and helps to further the profoundly important work of Children's Mercy.