INDIANAPOLIS — 2023 has been a big year for 5-year-old Beckett Culp. After undergoing a liver transplant earlier this year, he is happily settling into a new normal.
"I had a birthday party with all of my friends that I know," Beckett said, excitedly.
"He got to have his very first birthday party this year," his mom Lauren said, after a few years of safely avoiding large gatherings.
As a baby Beckett was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver. After years of follow-ups and preventative care at Riley Hospital for Children, Beckett's parents learned he would need a liver transplant, and he was placed in the transplant list at four years old.
"It was also very sad because we knew what that meant," Lauren said. "We hoped for a liver transplant, but so we also knew what we were hoping for."
Beckett has always loved toy cars, he has that in common with most kids his age, including the little boy who would save his life, Hunter Tuzunski. So the Hot Wheels he loves to play with represent so much more for two families now bonded forever.
"We found out that he loves Hot Wheels, just like Beckett - and so we got to meet them, and they came to Beckett's birthday party," Lauren said. "They have now become our friends."
Beckett started collecting them in Hunter's honor last year. To their surprise the response was overwhelming.
"We received about 2,500 Hot Wheels total. We got tracks and Hot Wheels blankets and slippers and pajamas and so many things, it was incredible," Lauren said.
Hunter and Beckett's inaugural toy drive even received international attention.
"We received one from England last year, so that was pretty cool," Lauren proudly shared.
The packages have already started coming in this year, and Beckett gladly accepts. He knows they'll once again be donated to other Riley kids to help make their time in the hospital - a little brighter.
Both families are thankful for those that have checked his Amazon Wish List twice to help collect the tiny toys with a much bigger meaning.
Beckett is one of many children that have received life-saving care at Riley Hospital for Children, made possible, in part, through charitable donations. To learn more about Riley Children's Foundation's year-end giving campaign, click here.