One Father's Determination, Meet Rickey

When Rickey Powell’s first child, Miles, was born, he never anticipated that Miles would spend nearly a month in the NICU. Miles was not gaining weight and, after several long weeks, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Two years later, Rickey’s second child, Marley, was born. She, too, was born with CF.

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Miles, who Rickey calls “Mole,” cannot walk or talk but still finds joy in life. According to Rickey, he loves yogurt, the PBS show “Super Why!” and hanging out with his dad. Marley, who Rickey nicknamed “Goose,” enjoys time outside and baseball. While Miles benefits from Trikafta^®, Marley does not and needs a lung transplant. Both children have ports under their skin for the consistent use of IVs.

We have dealt with a lot over the years – including 70 surgeries – it’s been a really long road,” said Rickey. “But the love for my kids has kept me going.

Despite these challenges, Rickey, who has been on his own since age 16, has faced CF with bravery. In 2017, after buying some clothes from Dixxon Flannel Co., Rickey realized that Dixxon was a company open to partnerships. On a whim, Rickey reached out to the CEO, Danny Dreyer, on Instagram to see if his company may be willing to help people with CF. In no time, Danny responded – connecting Rickey with Dixxon’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Vallely, who agreed to help raise money.

We have centered our company on our ‘why’ from day one and have truly stuck to the core of what we do to grow our support,” said Danny. “We see that growth of support show up in our communities, in our causes, and in the fun and good feelings generated as we give back philanthropically to the world. In turn, it’s created a strong sense of pride, which is widespread among our customers.

In 2022, Dixxon sold a limited-edition shirt specifically created in the spirit of CF fighters and donated a portion of the proceeds from the shirt sales to the CF Foundation. Dixxon raised more than $10,000 to help Miles, Marley, and others with CF.

The only way to get research really done for a nonprofit is through donations, so I decided to help in this way,” said Rickey. “I don’t have a lot, but if I can do something with the resources I have, I will do it every time. For years to come.

Father Ricky Powell and his two children in matching blue plaid shirts standing in front of a large tree

Today, Rickey is studying cybersecurity. He, his wife, Lindsey, and children Jaxon, Miles, and Marley live in Pendleton, South Carolina.

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