Kelly and Kyle Kirsch lost their 8-year-old son, Quinn, suddenly to Viral Myocarditis in January 2013. They had never heard the word Myocarditis before that and vowed to not let his loss be forgotten, and to raise awareness of the disease for others. Since then, their family and friends have raised awareness of the disease and funding to support the Myocarditis Foundation and Research of Myocarditis.

Quinn loved the game of Ice Hockey. His parents decided the best way to keep his memory alive and to help others learn about the disease, that takes so many otherwise healthy children and young adults, was to have a hockey tournament in his memory. Initially, the tournament was played on a community pond in Edina, MN, where he lived with his parents and brothers. The community has come together and raised so much awareness of the one-day event, that it has sold out (maxed out of players) for the past few years necessitating going to an Edina’s large sports complex, an indoor arena where they now have a three-day-jamboree!

720 Children will be participating in the event. There is a waiting list for others to participate. If you live in the area, please go and support the event.

The Myocarditis Foundation thanks the Kirsch Family for all that they have done over the past 10 years to raise awareness of the disease and fund a Fellowship Research Grant in Quinn’s memory.