Keeping Keeva: Life Saving Surgery

Keeva Washington, a loving mother and pillar of strength, has endured unimaginable pain and loss in her life.

As a child, Keeva was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue condition. Among other symptoms, the disease severely affects the heart. In 2003, Keeva gave birth to her son Jakai. In 2005 she was blessed with another son, Kalib. Both boys were diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome as babies.

In August 2010, five-year-old Kalib passed away after undergoing open heart surgery. In August 2021, shortly after graduating high school and turning 18, Jakai underwent three major heart operations in a 10-hour surgery. In a devastating coincidence, Jakai was put on life support exactly 11 years to the day that Kalib passed. Jakai succumbed weeks later in September.

Despite the immense grief she carries, Keeva has a profound desire to help others. She was inspired to start an art program for youth who have endured loss or trauma. Kids Expressing Emotion through Visual Arts, or K.E.E.V.A, was born from Keeva’s calling to help people in need. Keeva also hopes to complete nursing school and channel her unparalleled intelligence, compassion, and empathy into a nursing career.

Now, Keeva is in need.

Keeva has a large aneurysm that will be fatal if it goes untreated. Keeva needs immediate medical intervention as the growing aneurysm has affected her quality of life. Keeva is experiencing severe, unmanageable abdominal pain; leg weakness, requiring the use of a walker; extreme vertigo; and the inability to drive. Because of Marfan Syndrome and other complications, Keeva’s fragile body requires specific medical attention. As such, she needs life-saving surgery in a hospital five hours away. Keeva remains determined to fight for her own life and continue her journey with unwavering courage. But, she can’t do it alone.

I am humbly requesting your support to help raise funds for her travel costs, medical expenses, out-of-state recovery, and surgery aftercare necessities.

Heart surgery is Keeva’s only chance at survival. Here’s how you can help.

We understand that times are tough for many, but any support you can provide will be deeply appreciated. Together, we can Keep Keeva.

*Keeva was recently a guest speaker on Rasheena Phinisee's podcast, "Our Black Bodies." To hear some of Keeva's story, listen on Spotify or Apple Music.