Vilonia, Arkansas
Keely, 8, was born with a rare birth defect that required surgery at Arkansas
Children’s Hospital when she  was only 1 day old.
Keely was diagnosed with tracheo esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, a condition
in which her esophagus connected to her trachea instead of to itself.
She spent a month in the neonatal intensive care unit at ACH before going home
for the first time. She was back in the hospital a few more times that year
for outpatient surgeries to repair her esophagus. Though the surgeries improved
Keely’s condition,
she still suffers from tracheomalacia, or a “floppy” trachea. Because
of this, even a common cold can often result in pneumonia.
Keely has had many different health issues, including recurring bouts of pneumonia,
sleep apnea, ear infections, a collapsed lung and bronchitis.
According to Cindy, Keely’s mother, the best part about ACH is the respect
given to the families.
“The doctors were very respectful of any questions we asked,” says
Cindy. “Even if they didn’t know the answer right away, they always
let us know as soon as they could.”
Both Keely and her mom want to give back to the children of ACH as much as
they can. Because she loves to color when she is in the hospital, Keely initiated
a coloring book and crayon drive during the holidays last year. The initial
goal for the project was 200 coloring books and 200 boxes of crayons – enough
to give one of each to every child in the hospital. The final total was almost
4,000 items – including pens,
activity books and journals – that were donated because of Keely.
According to ACH employee, Libby Sexton, Keely is a quiet, well-mannered girl
who loves sports – especially softball – and her family. She has
always loved giving to others.
“Caring about how others feel is one of her special qualities,” says
Sexton. “Everyone who sees her and speaks with her is immediately enamored.”
Keely’s mom says she has always had a charming personality and a smile
that will brighten the darkest of days.
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