On July 15, 2016, Brock and Katy Heckmann welcomed their son, Parks Dempsey Heckmann, into the world at just 26 weeks. Born prematurely, Parks’ vital organs weren’t fully developed, and after three days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, he developed a severe brain bleed. Despite his strength and fight, Parks passed away at only four days old.
Three years later, their daughter, River Rose, was born after another high-risk pregnancy, once again requiring the NICU’s skilled and compassionate care. This second experience solidified the Heckmanns’ commitment to creating a lasting legacy in Parks’ name.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of him and what a strong little boy he was,” shares Katy. “Losing Parks was the hardest moment of our lives, but Rady Children’s gave us compassion, care and love during our darkest days. We knew we wanted to give back.”
From that conviction, the Parks Heckmann Endowment was born. Created to support Rady Children’s tiniest patients through neonatology research, it stands as a living tribute to their son’s short but powerful life.
In 2025, after their fourth annual Party 4 Parks fundraiser, the endowment officially surpassed an extraordinary milestone: $1 million raised for Rady Children’s.
A Celebration of Life and Community
Hosted at the Heckmanns’ home and organized by Katy, Party 4 Parks has become a one-of-a-kind private fundraiser blending country music with unforgettable experiences—from mechanical bull rides and leather branding to line dancing and more—all tied together by a spirit of gratitude and celebration.
Over the past four years, rising country stars Ernest, Nate Smith, Josh Ross and Conner Smith have each taken the Party 4 Parks stage. And almost serendipitously, each went on to achieve major milestones soon after, earning chart-topping hits and national acclaim. The Heckmanns lovingly call it “The Parks Effect.”
“Every year, it feels like something bigger than us is happening,” says Brock. “We bring these artists into our backyard, and then they go on to win awards or hit the top of the charts. To us, it’s Parks’ spirit at work making an impact far beyond what we ever imagined.”
The 2025 Party 4 Parks broke records, raising more than $440,000 in one night, including the family’s most successful live auction and paddle raise to date. “This milestone is more than just a number,” says Katy. “It’s proof that love, music and community can create something extraordinary out of heartbreak. To know that Parks’ name will live on through helping other families at Rady Children’s means everything to us.”
A Legacy of Love and Hope
“AFTER EXPERIENCING BOTH HEARTBREAK AND HOPE THROUGH OUR JOURNEY WITH RADY CHILDREN’S, OUR FAMILY UNDERSTANDS THE UNCERTAINTY FAMILIES FACE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE EVERY CHILD AND PARENT FEELS CHERISHED, SUPPORTED AND SURROUNDED BY COMPASSION AND HOPE.”
For Rady Children’s, the Heckmann family’s impact has been profound.
“The Heckmann family has turned unimaginable loss into a beacon of hope for others,” says Denise Suttner, MD, clinical director of the Rady Children’s NICU and a professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “Their generosity fuels critical clinical research that gives our sickest and most fragile infants a fighting chance. Reaching the $1 million milestone is a testament to their resilience and to the community that stands beside them in advancing lifesaving innovation.”
For Katy and Brock, that community remains at the heart of everything they do.
“Party 4 Parks is proof that when love and community come together, amazing things happen,” says Brock. “This is Parks’ legacy and we’re honored to help it shine.”
