The Carsons: A Family Assessment

Ken

Sep 3, 1970

Ken Carson was born into a family of 7 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born healthy, with no congenital abnormalities. He was 6 pounds, 5 oz. His father had a history of malignant hyperthermia, but no other significant risks were present for Ken. He maintained a healthy lifestyle as he grew older and eventually became a successful businessman.

Barbie

Aug 27, 1971

Barbie Roberts was born in West Allis, Wisconsin to Todd and Mary Roberts. She is the first child in the family. Her parents, being very religious, believed in raising her in Lutheran faith. She has found that the Church has been a helpful resource for her throughout her life. She eventually earned a Bachelor's degree in social work and a masters degree in journalism.

Barbie and Ken Meet

Dec 25, 1990

Barbie and Ken meet at a holiday party where they instantly become friends and eventually start dating one another. Ten months later, they got married near the lake in Milwaukee. Barbie took Ken's last name and together they started their lives as the Carson Family.

The Carson House

Apr 25, 1993

Barbie and Ken buy their first house in a suburb of Milwaukee near the school where Barbie did social work at. Ken had an easy commute to his office downtown and the house allowed for a growing family. This would eventually become the place where they raised their three children.

Kelly

Nov 26, 1997

Barbie and Ken have their first child and name her Kelly. Kelly was a healthy baby and the delivery went as planned with no complications. Kelly grew up to love volleyball and attended a Lutheran school up until third grade.

Jamie

Sep 25, 2001

Jamie was the second born girl in the family. She also was born healthy with no pregnancy complications for Barbie. Jamie learned to love volleyball like her sister and eventually attended the same Lutheran grade school as Kelly.

Todd

Jul 26, 2005

Barbie and Ken give birth to their first baby boy, Todd. Barbie had a relatively healthy pregnancy, but in her first trimester, she had a viral infection which she worried would impact the baby. Todd was born with cardiomyopathy and had a Berlin heart placed shortly after birth.

The Children Start Home School

Sep 1, 2006

Barbie begins to home school the girls while simultaneously taking care of Todd. Barbie believed that homeschooling the children would allow for more individualized learning.

Family Dinners

Sep 25, 2007

The Carson family enjoys getting together with Barbie and Ken's extended families. The kids like to socialize and spend time with their peers.

Todd's heart transplant

Nov 25, 2007

Todd underwent a heart transplant. This was a tough day for the Carson family. Barbie had her mom and her extended family to help her cope with her son's illness. She was pleased with the hospital and the care that Todd received. She turned to God for guidance and found strength to help Todd through the surgery. The doctors and nurses helped Todd recover.

Cath Lab

Sep 25, 2013

Todd checks in for his yearly cardiac catheterization. The doctors are checking to see that his heart transplant is not being rejected by his body. They also perform a biopsy for research purposes. Todd does very well in surgery and there were no complications due to his family history of cardiomyopathy.