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Texas Agriculture Archive

March 17, 2006

The Carsons' Kylan (left) never dreamed his gesture of splitting the proceeds of his show pig for his sister Kiva (center) would turn out as big as it did. Father Kody is on the right.

Before the gavel fell
Act of love turns $3,000 into $15,000

By Mike Barnett
Editor

Compassion is a mighty big word for a youngster growing up on the sandy plains near the small West Texas town of Olton.

It's an even bigger feeling for a preteen 4-H'er whose world experience centers around family and friends. Twelve-year-old Kylan Carson didn't put the tag of compassion or empathy or generosity on the feeling that came over him as he readied his first place heavyweight Hampshire pig for the San Antonio Livestock Exposition youth sale. He just knew that feeling was an itch that needed a scratch. So he scratched it.

As his turn in the sale ring neared, Kylan scribbled a note on a piece of paper, handed it to a ring man standing near him, who in turn handed it to the auctioneer.

The note said half of the proceeds from the sale of his pig would go to fight muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease which affects his sister, Kiva, and millions of other Americans. Champion pigs that sale day were bringing $900 to $1,200. Bidding stalled out at around $1,200. Auctioneer C. Jason Spence of Tahoka urged bids higher and finally hammered down his gavel, crying "sold" at $3,000.

"I thought that was spectacular," Kylan said, "$1,500 for me and $1,500 for her."

Kylan ran his pig out of the ring and waited for his father outside the barn. What happened next surprised everyone. A young man's heartfelt gift to fight his sister's disease stirred the crowd.

Auctioneer Spence picks up the story: "Rusty Rush of Rush Enterprises led the charge to double that amount [the sale amount of $3,000]. Vic Estrada Sr. of H-E-B followed right in behind him."

"Another guy stood and said he'd give a thousand," Kylan's dad, Kody, recalled. "People started handing in pledge cards…and the auctioneer started reading these cards… 'Okay, $6,000, $6,750, $7,000, $8,000'…and people started clapping and cheering and that encouraged a few more. It got quiet there for a minute while they were adding it up and then the auctioneer announced, `We've raised $15,100.'"

After the final tally, Kody, smiling, sauntered outside to his son and asked Kylan if he knew how much his pig had brought.

"I said 'Yes sir, it was $3,000,'" Kylan said. "And he said 'No, it was $12,000 more than that.' It just amazed me. I was just so surprised and grateful that those people were that generous to some kid they didn't even know and his sister."

Auctioneer Spence was also amazed. He said Kylan's unselfish act showed a lot of character. And he praised the buyers that support the San Antonio youth sale.

"The thing that is special about San Antonio is that we have no caps or limits on what those kids can get," he said. "When something of this nature comes about, it's a testament to our program in San Antonio and how moved our buyers are."

•••

Fourteen-year-old Kiva enjoys a typical brother-sister relationship with Kylan. They get along fairly well together, "depending on the day, how much sleep we got that night or who's hogging the bathroom," she said.

"We bicker and fight just like any normal family," Kylan added.

Kiva was home in Olton the day of the sale and knew nothing of what her brother had done until later that night.

"It kind of shocked me," she said, voice shaking, tears puddling in her eyes. "It just makes me love him even more. He acts like a little tough guy, but deep down he's not. I'm very lucky to have him."

Kylan's admiration of Kiva is evident as he talks of a disease that can't keep her down. Kiva, who depends on a mobile wheelchair to get around, leads an active life as manager of girls sports at her school. She serves as head cheerleader, participates in choir, school plays and is the Carson family "social butterfly."

"If she's at home she thinks she's abused," her father said.

And although she doesn't like to be in the spotlight, Kiva has spoken in front of several hundred people on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

"She handles herself with a lot of grace and a lot of maturity," her dad said. "We try to stress the gifts God has given us, not those that we haven't been given."

Perhaps his sister's example helped lead the way for young Kylan on sale day in San Antonio. Maybe it was the closeness of this family of five and the obvious love they demonstrate for each other.

Ask Kylan though, and he'll tell you he's simply "tired of the disease."

"It affects so many people in our school," he added. "It's just so hard. I just want to find a cure for it. Instead of just sitting on my rear complaining about it, I thought I should get out there and do something to help pay those doctors for research and find a cure for it."

Kody's admiration shines in his eyes as he listens to the words of his son.

"I'm really proud of Kylan for being thoughtful of those around him," Kody said. "I appreciate the young man I see him becoming. I appreciate his concern for others."

•••

Half of that $15,100 has already found its way to the Muscular Dystrophy Association District Office in Lubbock. The sale money was split out at the stock show.

"We didn't want any question of where the money was going and what was happening," Kody said.

The Carsons—as a family—have decided they'll give quite a bit more of the sale proceeds to MDA and maybe some other charities. Kylan will keep some of the proceeds to fund future 4-H projects.

"Everyone was so much more than generous that we want to give a pretty good chunk of it back," Kody said. "We realize how fortunate we are. And really, this goes more for the kids who don't have the support system Kiva has."

Kerry Zubras, Lubbock district director for MDA, said the gift from Kylan was welcome as the organization helps those with the disease and their families, and conducts research to find a cure.

"I'm always shocked and amazed at people who do things like this for family members. It means a lot," Zubras said. "I've been all over West Texas from Amarillo to San Angelo and all parts in-between and I can't actually remember a family member doing something of this magnitude, giving it to MDA."

Zubras said Kylan's action serves as an important reminder that you're never too young to get involved.

"Kylan showed young people they can be involved, and how important they can be in helping each other," Zubras said. "Even if they can't do what he did—the monetary thing was wonderful—but to volunteer, to get to know that they can make a difference and change somebody's life, is so important."

•••

Kylan can testify that raising show pigs is hard work. This is his first year with 4-H projects and his fifth place pig at his local show blossomed into his class champion in San Antonio.

Kylan, too, blossoms as he enters his teenage years. Maybe we can all learn a lesson from this boy—wise beyond his years—about compassion for others.

And maybe, just maybe in the future—when Kylan's son walks his pig into the show ring—a cure for this devastating disease will be found.

Editor's Note: Want to join Kylan Carson in his fight against Muscular Dystrophy? Donations may be sent to the Lubbock MDA Chapter, 8212 Ithaca, #D, Lubbock, Texas 79423. Donations may also be sent to the National MDA Headquarters, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.