Family receives 3,065 books and stuffed animals for Children's Wisconsin after losing toddler to CHD

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We first told you about Brecken Markee three months ago when his family visited CBS 58 to share his story about being born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). 

Sadly, at the end of July, Brecken died from complications with a surgery at just two-years-old. 

The Markee family has walked through the doors at Children's Wisconsin many times in the last two years. But on Friday, Aug. 25, it was different. This time, instead of holding their little boy, they carried bags and boxes filled with books and stuffed animals. 

"He's two and half years old and he spent a lot of time here at Children's hospital," said Brittany Markee. 

It's hard to Brittany and Brecken Markee to believe he's gone. 

"I know that he's looking down on us right now and really happy," said Brittany. "Thankful that we're blessing other kids."

The family collected 3,065 brand new stuffed animals and books from people around the world. Each one was donated to Children's Wisconsin in Brecken's name. 

"Every single day he would grab books from our little bookcase and bring them over and sit on your lap and [we'd] read him books. That was his favorite thing to do. As soon as you finished one book he'd go and grab another one and he loved hugging his stuffed animals," said Blake. 

The Markee family learned about Brecken's CHD diagnosis at their 20-week ultrasound. He had his first heart surgery just hours after he was born, and throughout his life he went through six more. 

About 80,000 people followed Brecken's Journey on Facebook.

"Through all of his heart surgeries and they were with us for all of his milestones-- to see him walk and be able to eat by mouth and do all of those fun exciting things," said Brittany. "They were there to cheer us on and root for him. They've been a huge support system for us." 

For much of Brecken's life he made a home at Children's Wisconsin. So when the family asked for the stuffed animals and books in lieu of flowers at his funeral, they knew they'd donate them to the other kids staying at Children's Wisconsin. 

"I feel personally honored to be able to participate in their care," said Dr. George Hoffman, one of the physicians that stopped by to say hi to the Markee family. 

"I think one of the biggest fears for any parent that loses a child that their child gets forgotten. The memories fade, the name fades... everyone just kind of goes on,"  said Blake. 

The family plans to carry on Brecken's legacy with a foundation in his name. You can continue to follow their journey on Facebook.