Keaton’s smiles are infectious. The seven-year-old is in his glory when he’s part of a rhythmic drum circle, and he’s always learning new songs so he can contribute. In the summer his family takes him around Saskatchewan so he can participate in various powwows.
Spending time with friends being outdoors when the weather is mild is one of Keaton’s favourite things, but he doesn’t mind cooling off a bit if it means being in the arena to cheer for the Prince Albert Raiders, while encouraging his sister who’s a cheerleader.
Diagnosed with femoral focal deficiency—a bone malformation—and a congenital heart defect, Keaton uses a wheelchair for mobility and requires oxygen at night. Throughout his life he’s undergone various cardiac and orthopedic surgeries with more surgeries to come.
Keaton wished for a travel trailer to accommodate him and his family as they travel around the province. The Prince Albert RCMP adopted Keaton’s wish and were present, along with family, friends, and other community organizations, when his wish was revealed at École Vickers Public School on June 14. Keaton and his classmates cheered when his dad Kirby pulled up with the trailer. The highlight of the event was having members of One Arrow First Nation perform a drum ceremony for Keaton.
Keaton’s mom Candace had to miss the reveal but said, “The tears just keep flowing because lots of friends keep sending me pictures (of the event).”
Hope is essential for children with critical illnesses, and its life-changing power is unlocked when wishes like Keaton’s are granted. Together we can continue to transform lives, one wish at a time.
