I will call this long overdue update the downside and the upside.    As we went through the summer of 2024, we began to notice Keegan was slowing down in his endurance and stamina.  He didn’t ride his bike as much, didn’t want to hike when camping, and requested to use his medical stroller more.  Our numbers at home showed his heart rate higher to keep his body saturated with Oxygen.   In September, we contacted his transplant team, who then wanted to see him earlier than expected.  Unfortunately, their numbers agreed with what we were seeing, but we were left to continue praying for his transplant time.  In October, we followed up with his regular Pulmonologist.  He made a statement that hit home – any changes we make, especially to medicines, will just be changing the Band-Aids.  The transplant is what we need, however, we are all happy he isn’t critical so the doctors can still be selective in choosing the best lungs for him.  We pray for God’s guidance throughout this process.  In the last month, Keegan’s body has indicated to us that he requires more Oxygen – 5L – to maintain his quality of life.   It is not an ideal situation and comes with many exhausting issues, ie keeping his tanks filled for the next day, monitoring his CO2 levels, and overall wellness.   This fall has been a season where he is beginning to understand he is sick, asks to see the physician, afraid to go in the hospital for fear of not coming home, and realizing he isn’t like everyone else.   We return in December for new tranplant team testing.  In the meantime, he attends mandatory Pulmonary Rehab, needle exposure therapy (IYKYK), see a wonderful therapist for his trauma. 

Now for the happy times, we are filling his days with memories and events that any 10-year-old boy would love.  As always, we spent many weekends camping and exploring the 4 hour radius of Children’s.  He experienced is first total solar eclipse in Indiana and woke up late to see the Aurora Borealis at our house.   He went to the movies and the Aronoff.  He went to the Anthony Munoz Football Camp and tried football at the hottest part of the summer.   We went as a family to the Center for Courageous Kids.  He rode a horse, canoe, messy games, and did archery.  More importantly, he spent time with kids with special needs and was loved by counselors and friends old and new.  He is still singing songs of the yellow cabin.  In Taekwondo, he is competing and is one test away from his black belt.  He is learning confidence and leadership.  He celebrated family birthdays, Halloween, and Diwali.   He was excited to attend his first Bengals game and they won!!!  He took pics with his beloved mascots. He even skipped school to meet WWE star Cody Rhodes.  He rode his bike, golf carts, ATV’s and a motorcycle.  As always, we thank everyone who has spent time with Keegan and allowed him to experience new events.  As we wait for his transplant, we continue to make memories and take the pictures.