Most 17-year-old kids spend their time hanging out with friends and planning for college, not navigating their next heart surgery.

That dynamic is reality for Brighton Griffin, a John Day resident who underwent his fourth open heart surgery on Oct. 24 in a Utah hospital. Born with multiple congenital heart defects, Griffin had his first open heart surgery when he was a mere eight days old.

Brighton’s mother, Alicia Griffin, said the most pressing heart defect Brighton was born with was transposition of the great arteries, the signs of which were evident three days after he was born.

“That’s where your main arteries are switched, so his oxygenated blood was going back to his lungs and his de-oxygenated blood was going out to his body,” she said.

Along with the four open heart surgeries, Brighton has had no fewer than six cardiac catheterization procedures.

As anybody who has had a major surgery can attest, it isn’t cheap. While Brighton does have insurance, there are travel and lodging expenses in addition to other costs insurance simply doesn’t cover.

“It’s an incredibly expensive endeavor … because we were out of state, nothing through the pharmacy was covered — all of that was out-of-pocket expenses,” Griffin said. “I’m not sure yet until the bills start rolling in, but I know after his first open heart surgery as an infant, that surgery alone was over $230,000.

Madden Realty, which had worked with the Griffins on the purchase of their new home, reached out and proposed a benefit dinner and silent auction to help with expenses associated with Brighton’s medical needs.

“They’re the ones pretty much facilitating this, and we’re so grateful,” Griffin said.

The dinner and silent auction, named “Brighton’s Big Heart,” is slated to take place on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the John Day Elks Lodge from 5 to 8 p.m.

Brighton is aware of the groundswell of community support, and his mother said he’s grateful for all of it.

“He really fells loved and supported and really fells like the community is rallying around him,” Griffin said.

“He said it’s not the ideal way to get recognized, but he appreciates the recognition.”

WHO: Brighton Griffin

WHAT: Benefit and silent auction to help with medical bills, traveling expenses and any unforseen costs associated with Brighton’s surgery.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: John Day Elks Lodge, 140 NE Dayton St. 

ETC.: Auction items and other donations can be dropped off at Madden Realty,  237 S. Canyon Blvd. Donations can also be made via GoFundMe or through an account at the Old West Federal Credit Union.