Kayden Owen Chaffin, 11 of Norman, suddenly passed away on September 12th, 2024. Kayden bravely faced the challenges of Spinal Muscular Atrophy with an inspiring spirit and a heart full of joy.  

Kayden was born in Norman, Oklahoma on April 22, 2013. He spent his life in Noble and Norman where he was comfortable at home, but being on a ventilator never stopped him from anything. He’d taken trips to California and Florida many times. While driving out to California for the SMA conference at Disneyland, several stops were made at the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, Cadillac Ranch, Las Vegas, Utah, and Colorado. Kayden loved traveling and going "bye-bye" so much that he’d scream and hum with excitement.

Kayden attended Alcott Middle school in the multiprogram, but mainly did his studies at home through NPS. His teachers and support staff over the years have made a huge impact on the family with continuing support. Kayden loved Math and learning about different places around the world, even if his teacher made him “call the hogs," to stay awake at times.  

Kayden loved Disney and SpongeBob, meeting Olaf and Jack Skellington through Make a Wish. Halloween and Christmas were his favorite holidays. Every Christmas the family would hold a card drive, to raise awareness for SMA as well as bring in some holiday joy. Kayde's cards went viral in 2016 and 2019. He was blessed in 2016, by the Oklahoma Sooners to watch a practice before the sugar bowl, where the entire team signed cards for him. 2019 was his biggest year, with over 8,000 cards received. 

Kayden was blessed with a beautiful, loving family who fought incredibly hard right alongside Kayden to make his life the best it could possibly be – parents Joshua and Amanda Chaffin; big Brother Brycen, who was probably the fiercest protector of his little brother. Kayden was surrounded by a village of love, including his grandparents, (Meme) Tammy Chaffin-Smith, and husband Mark, (Papa) Randy Kinsey, (Shersey) Christy and husband Jamie Arebalo. Great grandparents Earl and Vicki Jo Chaffin, many aunts and uncles, cousins and bonus family members. Previously departed loved ones include his three great grandmothers, Bonnie Kinsey, Joy Mercer and Anne Chaffin. Along with so many friends who've lost their battles to SMA.