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Farren Radke was the type of person who wore her heart on her sleeve. Joyous, with a magnetic personality, Farren poured her selfless spirit and genuine care into others. In her signature, she even encircled the two “R’s” in her first name with a large heart.
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“She signed her name like that since she was a little girl. She always loved hearts,” her father, Jack Radke, explained. Her final birthday gift to him was a decorative trivet in the shape of a
heart—“Except this one had angel wings,” he said.
Farren earned her own angel wings over Christmas of last year, when complete blockages of two arteries caused a cardiac event that took the young 35-year-old from this life. Her passing was a complete shock to her tight-knit family, which includes her brother, Carson; a sister, Lauren; brother-in-law Todd and nephews Connor and Ryder—whom she adored and with whom she spent countless hours with doing fun activities.
A quote that her parents found in Farren’s journal after her death inspires the Radkes to keep going: “It says, ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,’” recalled Kym Radke, Farren’s mother. “This continues to be very important to me.”
Thinking about their daughter’s legacy and the words she left behind inspired the Radkes to do something to help preserve her memory in a way that Farren would have loved: helping others. Through a gift to Baylor Scott & White Health, the Radkes are supporting a variety of cardiovascular wellness initiatives that will help others take charge of their own heart health.
Without Warning
Farren had been an active participant in her own healthcare. But, like many young people without signs or symptoms of heart disease, monitoring her heart health was just not on her radar.
“Even though you’re young and full of health, you still need to have your maintenance programs and know that it can happen to anyone at any age,” Jack said.
The Radkes’ support will make both an immediate and a long-lasting impact on cardiovascular health in North Texas by increasing education and awareness that will improve the lives of countless patients and community members. Educational seminars and events throughout Collin County will help spread awareness of cardiovascular health and heart attack risk factors. CPR trainings for churches, schools and businesses will be enhanced by 12 new simulation mannequins, allowing people to get hands-on experience.
Also, additional lipid screenings to measure cardiovascular disease risk will be added to Baylor Scott & White screening programs in communities with limited access to healthcare and increased risk for chronic disease.
“The message we want to get out is this: No matter how old you are, we want you to know where you stand with your own heart health,” Jack said.
Providing Care
Service to others came naturally to Farren, so it was important to the Radkes that their gift also provide health screenings at the Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center at the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center in Dallas and the Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic in Plano, as well as help cover costs associated with cardiac specialty care for those who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment. The Radkes are long-time residents of McKinney, where Farren also lived, and longtime supporters of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney.
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
—A. A. Milne quote found in Farren’s journal
In addition to caring for the needs of today, the Radkes’ gift looks toward the future. Supporting the training of cardiology fellows—helping to build the pipeline of cardiovascular experts—will increase the number of specialists in the field. Also, the gift will help fund innovative cardiovascular research initiatives to enhance care and improve patient outcomes. Medical education and research are both foundational to advancing clinical care and improving patient outcomes, and it’s a way the Radkes feel they can give back.
“Jack and Kym, long before Baylor Scott & White entered the market, have led by example in terms of serving and giving back in ways that have blessed McKinney and surrounding communities,” shared friend and senior vice president of joint ventures at Baylor Scott & White, Scott Peek. “Their continued passion and generosity will undoubtedly change lives thanks to intentional focus and commitment on early adult cardiovascular health.”
Giving Spirit
The Radkes hope that their gift helps keep people healthy and out of the hospital. But for those who find themselves in need of care at Baylor Scott & White – McKinney, they hope to provide comfort.
The newly named Farren Brae Radke Chapel will be a place for others to find solace, the Radkes explained, as it is for them. Kym and Jack are members of the Stonebridge United Methodist Church, one of their great passions in life—one that they also shared with Farren.
Noting their daughter’s generous nature, the Radkes find comfort in a legacy that helps support the needs of others. “She loved giving back, and she was very generous with people—Farren was just that kind of person. She was giving, with a big heart,” Kym remembered. When Kym and Jack consider how their gift will make a difference in the lives of others, they find peace.
“Our daughter didn’t get a second chance,” Kym said. “We are Christians and we believe God has an ultimate plan. But if doing something like this helps someone live healthier and better, then maybe God has given us a voice in that too.” Even in grief, the Radkes chose to move forward, and to do that, they lean on Baylor Scott & White. “There are just so many people that believe in Baylor that it’s great to partner with them and hopefully save a life,” Kym said.
For more information on how you can support cardiovascular initiatives across Baylor Scott & White, please contact Lynn Bohne at 214.820.4070 or Lynn.Bohne@BSWHealth.org.
