Keegan's Spirit Foundation is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization centered on providing hope to those with congenital heart disease. We have several primary programs delivering scholarship funds to students with Congenital Heart Disease in the Greater Cincinnati area, information on a rare disease called Heterotaxy Syndrome, patient outreach and research funding. Click Programs to explore more about our organization or Donate to help support our organization.
Keegan Scot Southers AKA "The K-man" was born on July 8, 2009 along with his twin brother, Wyatt (Wy-man). He was filled with a fierce Celtic spirit and a zest for fun, play and laughter. He enjoyed playing with his twin brother Wyatt and his big sister, Fiona. He smiled a lot and he seemed to touch everyone that met him and was a joy to be around. Keegan and his brother also enjoyed watching sports, such as the Kentucky Wildcats and the Cincinnati Bengals.
While his medical issues did not define who he was as a person (son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, friend), they undoubtedly had an effect on his life. He was born with Heterotaxy Syndrome, Complete Heart Block and Tetralogy of Fallot. He received a pacemaker when he was just four days old. He needed surgical repair of his tetralogy, but before his surgery, he was diagnosed in March 2010 with Cardiomyopathy, with his left ventricle functioning only around 8 percent of what it should. He spent 4 months in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he received inotrope medications as well as a new updated pacemaker to help improve his heart function. Unfortunately, his heart function did not improve and in May 2010 was placed on the heart transplant list as this was his only option for survival. He waited valiantly on the transplant list for 80 days, but lost his battle with heart disease on July 25, 2010 when his little heart could not hold on any longer and he passed away at 3:44 AM.
We love you and miss you K-man. You had more courage in you than anyone we have ever met.
Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
