Keegan and Mandy's Story

My name is Mandy Minor, and I am a caregiver to my heart hero Keegan. Keegan was born September 26th, 2013, with a single ventricle heart. When we found out about Keegan's heart during our 20-week ultrasound, we were told by his cardiologist about the struggles he would face. His doctor told us that he would have learning disabilities, would have a hard time keeping up with his peers, and the difficulties from his surgeries. Keegan had his first open-heart surgery at five days old. He then went on to have two more open heart surgeries and six heart catheterizations.  Keegan was 5 months old for his second open-heart surgery and 3 years old for his third open-heart surgery. The six heart catheterizations were mixed in between these surgeries and one then another after them at age 4. He had a feeding tube and was on oxygen for six months after his second heart surgery. He has struggled with PTSD from all these surgeries and procedures. Keegan currently sees his cardiologist twice a year in clinic and they are also monitoring his liver due to side effects of his last open-heart surgery. He sees his therapist every other week to help with his PTSD. Keegan is in OT at school as well as tutoring for his reading and writing. He cannot play any contact sports and does get overly tired when running around and playing outside with friends. He is very open and proud of his special heart and loves telling people about it. Keegan has the most beautiful soul and an amazing drive and fight for life. Being his caregiver and mother has taught me so many things in life. It has taught me to be grateful for the little things and that through our heartache and struggles can come so many blessings. Keegan fights his battle daily with CHD but is thriving and living his life to the fullest. Being his mother and caregiver is one of my greatest accomplishments in my life.