Rayan (Texas)

Rayan’s wish was granted for a backyard basketball court at his home in Texas. Thanks to The LandTek Group and support from Hellas Inc. and TenCate, Rayan can reconnect with the game he loves after open-heart surgery and many complications.

The life-changing wish for Rayan, a 16-year-old from Katy, Texas, allows him reconnect with the sport he loves despite overwhelming medical challenges.

The basketball court was built with non-infilled synthetic turf. Additional amenities include ball-stop netting from Sportsfield Specialties and a basketball hoop supplied by My Backyard Sports, a women-owned business located in Houston.

Rayan, a triplet and avid athlete, was born with a congenital heart defect and airway defect. After undergoing open-heart surgery in 2021, complications led to cardiac arrest and an anoxic brain injury. He now faces a dilated aortic arch and can no longer play team sports, a devastating blow for a teen whose passion was football and basketball. His wish for a backyard basketball court was a unique request for the Marty Lyons Foundation.

“This was a unique wish, and we knew it would take a strong partner to make it happen,” said Marty Lyons, founder of The Marty Lyons Foundation and former NY Jets legend. “Our mission is to grant wishes today for a better tomorrow, and thanks to The LandTek Group and Hellas, Rayan now has a safe space to play, dream, and defy the limits his illness has tried to impose.”

For The LandTek Group (landtekgroup.com), the project reflects its commitment to building more than fields; it’s about building hope.

“Sports have the power to inspire and heal,” said John Sulinski, COO of The LandTek Group. “When we learned about Rayan’s story, we knew we had to step in. Partnering with the Marty Lyons Foundation and Hellas allowed us to create something truly special for an incredible young man.”

Hellas, headquartered in Austin, Texas, provided local expertise and resources to ensure the court was built to the highest standards.

“It’s been great working with Hellas and LandTek as a team,” said Jose Sosa, SVP of Hellas. “Let’s make Rayan proud of his court and support him in his recovery.”

For Rayan and his family, the court is more than concrete and hoops—it’s a symbol of resilience. “Basketball was always his passion,” said Jennifer Rabout, Rayan’s mother. “Now, he can play safely at home with his siblings and friends. This court reminds him every day that he can still achieve great things.”