“Good morning everyone. Well, I have the privilege today to share our story. My name is Lynn and this is [my son] Levi. So our journey started– Levi was born in San Francisco. He was born with a condition called Alpha thalassemia major, which typically is a fatal diagnosis, but you can see here that he is a happy, healthy little guy. So he started going to the children’s hospital here in Northwest Arkansas at three months old and he receives chronic blood transfusions. So we’re there every four weeks. So when we say the hospital is our second home, we really mean it. He is four as of Tuesday, so he’s had over 40… I think we’re at like 50 blood transfusions now. And we’re so thankful for the Children’s Hospital just because of how we’re treated there. Everyone is just amazing and it’s people like you guys raising money for the hospital that gives us this care in our backyard. That’s why we’re so grateful for you guys and what you do. And yeah, I don’t know what else I want to share, but yeah. But thank you so much and hope you guys have a good game.”
— Lynn Bounphaseuth, mother of Levi, 2025 Arkansas Golf Classic
It was a beautiful spring day at this year’s 11th Annual D&F Charity Trust Arkansas Golf Classic, back in May. At the tournament, we were honored to hear from Lynn and get to know her son Levi, who represents exactly why Arkansas Children’s became a consistent beneficiary of the Charity Trust beginning in 2023.
Levi was diagnosed before birth with Alpha Thalassemia Major, a rare and severe blood disorder that is typically fatal for babies. Against the odds, Levi not only survived but has continued to thrive, thanks to the dedicated care he receives at Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW). Since just three months old, Levi has required regular blood transfusions—Levi’s mom, Lynn, believes it’s even reached over 50 by the time of the Golf Classic. For the Bounphaseuth family, Arkansas Children’s Northwest has become a second home, and the staff, a second family.
A Lifeline Close to Home
Before Lynn shared her story, Megan Flores, Senior Development Officer at Arkansas Children’s, reminded attendees of the impact their generosity makes:
“A part of the proceeds from this event benefit ACNW here in Springdale. If you haven’t had the chance to go, I’m glad, but if you ever need our services, we’re happy to be here right in your backyard, and it is an exciting time to be a donor for ACNW. We’re embarking on our largest expansion in the organization’s history. We’re adding 72,000 square feet to our hospital in Springdale, and we’re just thrilled to have you guys be a part of that.”
This expansion will allow ACNW to serve even more families like Levi’s, ensuring that life-saving treatments and compassionate care are available close to home. For families navigating disabilities, illness, or sudden medical needs, the road is never easy. That’s why the growth of such a community-driven facility is so monumental. It lightens the impossibly heavy load and provides much-needed support for these Arkansas families.
The Broader Impact of Your Support
For D&F Charity Trust, stories like Levi’s remind us of why we do what we do. Through the support of our sponsors, golfers, donors, and volunteers, the funds raised at our golf classics directly benefit children and families facing medical crises, as well as students pursuing careers in agriculture. Every dollar given represents hope, opportunity, and healing. It represents little boys like Levi getting the help they need to have a happy and healthy childhood.
We are proud to partner with Arkansas Children’s and grateful for the chance to contribute to their mission of making children better today and healthier tomorrow. And most of all, we are thankful to every supporter who makes this impact possible.
We encourage our friends, neighbors, and industry partners to get involved with the philanthropic mission of D&F Charity Trust. You can make a difference by donating year-round (tax deductible), or consider becoming a sponsor of our next event. Together, let’s do Whatever it Takes to support the people who need it the most.
