It goes with out saying that the loss of a loved one is traumatic and that of a child is even more so. I am at a loss for words because the beloved son of dear friends has passed. Quinn Kyles known as “Baby Quinn” made news 23 years ago when it became news that he needed and received a rare successful heart transplant less than a month after his birth.
Born to Dwain Kyles, (whom I have known since college) and Theresa Cropper, his good fortune proved by their love for him expressed through their fight for his life. Neither were trust fund babies but they were well connected and so the need to raise funds, hire the best doctor and more all demonstrated their star power. “Share A Heart With Baby Quinn” was the highly publicized campaign tagline to help raise the $300,000 needed to pay for the much needed heart transplant and surgery, at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Jodeci, The Emotions, Rev. Jesse Jackson and News Anchor Robin Robinson were just a few notables that came forth and lent their talent, notoriety and money stepped up and raised funds through an organized concert held at the Chicago Theatre on State Street downtown. The groups performed to a sold out venue. I was there and can still remember Even though Theresa was a faculty member at Northwestern University Law School; the university’s insurance did not cover organ transplantation for family dependents. Two weeks following his birth on his Mothers birthday, a heart was donated and Quinn Kyles underwent successful heart transplantation.
Though it was challenging for the parents in the beginning to manage the well being of Baby Quinn, they did and for 23 years, he led a pretty wonderful life. Quinn Attended LaSalle Language Academy, graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School, and enrolled in Chicago’s Columbia College.
Those of us who knew him knew him first as Baby Quinn Kyles as the special little baby born a fighter with the smile that could light up any room who had the great Stevie Wonder sing in his honor. He was the grandson of Reverend Billie Kyles. Most importantly he was kind, generous and respectful.
Monday December 23, 2014 as Quinn was driving on I-65 in Lafayette he attempted to pass a car however due to the light rain and wetness of the road Quinn’s car hydroplaned then rolled over several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His private burial services were held Tuesday December 30 at Oakwood Cemetery. The family asks that donations be made to ‘Make A Wish Foundation’ on Quinn’s behalf.
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