Community comes together to support local family.
The view was surreal and energetic - straight from a Hallmark film. The communal support flooded the fields and filled the stands with players awaiting their game and an audience rallying for Riot Barker, a little boy who’s touched so many hearts without even knowing the impact he’s made. A softball tournament fundraiser took place at the Cordell Softball Complex Saturday, June 25, to help raise funds for Riot’s heart surgery. Temperatures soared to the extreme that day, along with the outpouring of support from the community, friends and family.
Riot is the 1-year-old son of Chaz and Devin Barker of Bessie, Ok. With having only taken one trip around the sun so far, Riot has reached more people than not with his infectious smile and personality. “If you know him, you love him. He’s hilarious and he’ll do anything to make you laugh. He’s so easy going, doesn’t complain about anything and wants to play 24/7. He just has a way of making everyone smile. I couldn’t ask for a better kid,” expressed Devin.
Although Riot has faced a few challenging obstacles, being diagnosed with down syndrome at 4 months old and then later finding out about a heart defect at around 5 or 6 months old, he hasn’t let anything defeat him.
“I did not know he had down syndrome when I was pregnant. Nothing on any of his ultrasounds showed any signs, even his heart condition never showed up. The blood work didn’t show any red flags. So we didn’t know,” said Devin. “It happens a lot more than you would think. When he was born the traits weren’t very dominant that typically go with down syndrome. It’s definitely been a journey.”
Riot recently underwent open heart surgery in order to repair a transitional av canal defect. In more simple terms, he had two small holes in his heart. If left untreated, atrioventricular canal defect can cause heart failure and high blood pressure in the lungs. Although some holes in the heart may repair and close on their own, the ones associated with this particular condition would not.
“We were lucky enough to wait until just recently to have his surgery, they just had to do it before he turned two. All the ultrasounds look great, and they are not seeing any need for a repeat surgery so that’s good. Hopefully that will be the only thing he’ll have to undergo. He has just exceeded everything. He’s a hard worker and he goes to physical therapy. He’s just been really blessed; he doesn't really struggle at all.”
Several fans of Riot, local and afar, purchased “Rally For Riot” shirts to show their support and sported them on the day of his surgery. In efforts to help assist with costly medical bills and medications, the softball tournament fundraiser was held. From the tournament and merchandise purchases, over $4,000 was raised for Riot. Everything from the tournament goes towards Riot’s medical bills, hospital stay and/or any special medications he may need. There is also an account at Great Plains Bank in Cordell for Riot where those who would like to donate may do so.
“It’s been overwhelming. No words can express how grateful we are. And when you see people love your child that much, it’s just an unexplainable feeling. We are just really grateful and it’s something we can never say thank you enough for. I don’t have enough words. All we can do is just express how grateful we are and pay it forward. We are just really blessed to be a part of a community that cares for our child like that. It’s been amazing,” expressed Devin.
“He’s taught us so much and changed our lives. I don’t really love the term ‘special needs’ because no matter who the child is or what they have going on in their lives, every kid has their own kind of special needs. We’re all more alike than different and no matter what hardships come your way just know you can do it and God gave you that child for a reason. You just have to take everything as it comes, one day at a time and always believe in your child because they’re way stronger than you think.”
Saturday’s tournament went on with numerous games and the competition was high. Although several battled in the dirt and faced the heat, there was only one team that took home the gold. Toby Davis and the DCP team were named champions of the Rally for Riot Softball Tournament.