Keiano's Courage
Meet Keiano. A 2-year-old tornado who never stops talking!
However, at just 3 months old, Keiano was diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus – an extreme build up of fluid in the brain – and his mum Abbie was told that he may never walk or talk.
She says, “When Keiano was just three months old we were given the shocking news that our little boy might never walk, talk or interact with others. He had the first of four major surgeries to insert a shunt (a thin tube that helps to drain the extra fluid), spent 3 weeks in hospital and had numerous physio therapy sessions.
“He was quite delayed for the first year of his life but at 11 months he started to sit up, he crawled at 12 months and by 13 months he was walking. Now he’s just like any other toddler – running wild!
“We have had countless hospital trips over the last 2 years and I have had to quickly learn when Keiano’s shunt is failing as there is a real risk that he could lose his life if it is left untreated.
“In May, we had a terrifying experience where his shunt became blocked by a blood clot. He deteriorated so badly that he had to have two brain surgeries in the space of one week.
“The incredible staff on Borthwick Ward are just like family to us now. The amount of help and courage we have received from them along the way has really helped me mentally as a mum.”
Thanks to donations from our wonderful supporters, Keiano has also had plenty of fun with the NHS and ECHC staff throughout his hospital journey.
He was quite delayed for the first year of his life but at 11 months he started to sit up, he crawled at 12 months and by 13 months he was walking. Now he's just like any other toddler – running wild!
- Abbie, Keiano's mum
“We painted a beautiful bonnet for the charity’s Easter bonnet competition and also did an Easter egg hunt around the ward. Keiano has really enjoyed music with Tinderbox and of course storyteller Gerry’s amazing tales!
“Keiano will always be known to the hospital and will undoubtedly require further surgery and treatment throughout his life.
“Unfortunately, every shunt he has had so far has only lasted 10 months. We hope that maybe one day we will be able to celebrate his first year shunt-iversary!
“He’s such a bright, caring boy and has not let one surgery hold him back. Every time he’s come out of an operation he is always the one running around the ward! He’s our little miracle and I could not be prouder.” – Abbie, Keiano’s mum
Your donations help to make the hospital a place of fun, not fear for children like Keiano. If you can, please consider donating today. Thank you.