Hawaii Pacific Health Donor Reports 2014 | Page 16

Caring for Hawai‘i’s Keiki
The human heart is essential to life and vitality. Yet imagine if your child’s heart was not
functioning properly. Who would you turn to?
When Jullie and Jay Passos found out their son, Keegan, would be born with a heart
defect after 32 weeks in utero, they turned to the maternal fetal medicine specialists and
neonatologists at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children.
At birth, Keegan was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot and Pulmonary Atresia, a rare
condition that accounts for only about 2 percent of congenital heart disease. His first open
heart surgery took place at 6 months old. This would be the first of many surgeries to
follow. His surgeons put a total of 10 stents in his arteries to assist his heart function, along
with a pacemaker.
Now 16 years old, Keegan knows how lucky he is to be alive. As a teen mentor in Kapi‘olani’s
Kardiac Kids program, he shares his experiences as a young heart patient with other children
who depend on his support to cope with similar medical challenges.
Keegan’s positive outlook is one of the many reasons he was chosen as Hawai‘i’s 2014
Children’s Miracle Network Champion. The program honors remarkable children who have
triumphed despite severe medical challenges. Only one child from each state is selected
per year.
As Hawai‘i’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Kapi‘olani is here to help Hawai‘i’s keiki,
regardless of illness, injury or ability to pay. Support from generous donors ensures the
continuation of this exceptional, lifesaving care.

“Kapi‘olani is my lifeline, and I wouldn’t be here without my
Kapi‘olani family taking care of my everyday issues.”
KEEGAN PASSOS
Hawai‘i’s 2014 Children’s Miracle Network Champion

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