Community Rallies for 2-Year-Old Facing Open-Heart Surgery

Dozens of trucks, cars, and motorcycles paraded through Racine County to support Easton before his procedure.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a parade of vehicles in warm, blurred colors, conveying the celebratory atmosphere of the community event for a young boy facing a medical challenge.A community parade in Racine County, Wisconsin, brings joy and support to a 2-year-old boy facing open-heart surgery.Union Grove Today

A heartwarming community event took place in Union Grove, Wisconsin, as dozens of trucks, cars, and motorcycles lined up for a parade to support a 2-year-old boy named Easton who is facing open-heart surgery. The parade was organized by the local nonprofit Party Girls Pinups to give Easton a special day of joy before he goes into isolation for his upcoming procedure.

Why it matters

The outpouring of support from the Racine County community highlights the power of coming together to uplift a family facing a difficult medical challenge. Easton's story resonates with many parents and serves as an inspiring example of how a local community can rally behind one of its own, especially for a young child in need.

The details

Easton, a big fan of trucks and cars, was treated to his own parade after doctors found a serious heart defect that will require open-heart surgery. The community responded by donating toys and books to help Easton through his recovery, and first responders, car clubs, and complete strangers joined the parade to show their support. Organizer Caitlin O'Malley of the Party Girls Pinups nonprofit group helped bring the event together to give Easton a memorable day before he goes into isolation for his procedure.

  • The parade took place on March 27, 2026, in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
  • Easton is scheduled to undergo open-heart surgery in the near future.

The players

Easton

A 2-year-old boy facing open-heart surgery.

Andrew Darienzo

Easton's father, who said the community's support has been crucial during this difficult time.

Caitlin O'Malley

The organizer of the parade event, representing the local nonprofit Party Girls Pinups.

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What they’re saying

“Once they kind of found that out, there's really no other option than open heart surgery.”

— Andrew Darienzo, Easton's father

“We're hoping just to give him a really happy, fun day, his own little parade before he goes into isolation before the surgery.”

— Caitlin O'Malley, Parade organizer

“Any chance to do good in the community, I would rather do. I'd rather bring light and joy to the world.”

— Caitlin O'Malley, Parade organizer

What’s next

Easton's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of his upcoming open-heart surgery and recovery.

The takeaway

This heartwarming community event demonstrates the power of coming together to support a family in need, especially for a young child facing a serious medical challenge. Easton's story has inspired the Racine County community to rally behind him and his family, providing both practical and emotional support during this difficult time.