Kenneth (Trace) Daryl Knight III

The Inspiration Behind Team Trace

Our Mission

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) affects nearly 1 in every 100 newborns and is a leading cause of birth defect-associated infant illness and death. CHD research is drastically underfunded.

Team Trace exists to improve outcomes for children with CHD by raising awareness, supporting and developing community outreach programs, and funding life-saving CHD research. We believe that change begins at the beginning of life — by equipping medical teams, families, and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to save lives.

Improve Outcomes

Increase Awareness

Trace's Story

Trace Knight was born March 26, 2009. Shortly after his birth something was wrong. His nurse initiated additional tests which ultimately resulted in saving his life. From there Trace, and his father, were immediately transferred from Anne Arundel Medical Center to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC having to leave his Mother and twin sister behind. Upon Trace’s arrival to Children’s he was received by a team of amazing doctors, nurses, cardiologists and surgeons who became an extension of his family. After three days of tests Trace was diagnosed with Shone’s Complex, a rare Congential Heart Disease (CHD).

The overall prognosis of Shone’s Complex is poor, but Trace and his family focused on fighting through the challenges and living the best life possible. Over the course of 38 months Trace endured and fought through four open heart surgeries including aortic and mitral valve replacement, implantation of a pace maker, seven catheter procedures and never learning how to eat without the support of his feeding tube. A total of 14 surgeries and procedures, hundred’s of needles, several bouts of upper respiratory infections where Trace’s mom would hold him in a standing position for days to help him breath and a daily routine of medications and feedings which started at 5am and ended at 10:30pm.

Trace was larger than life. You would never have known he had been through so much. He hid it so well never complaining or slowing down. He was special and enjoyed life. A real life superhero leaving all that knew him with a lifetime of memories and the heartbeat which keeps Team Trace going. A majority of funding and research is focused on adult therapies. Team Trace is focused on beginning of life awareness, community support and research projects to improve outcomes for our little superhero’s in their fight against CHD.

Heart to Heart 2026

14^th Annual Heart to Heart semi-formal charity gala on Saturday February 7^th, 2025 from 6-11 pm at the Historic Tidewater Inn in Easton Maryland.

What is CHD?

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the form of heart disease that a person is born with. The affects of any form of heart disease can be deadly, but for the person with congenital defects making lifestyle change such as diet and exercise will not prevent or reverse the effects of their form of this disease. Getting diagnosed early in life is the best defense against this kind of heart condition.