Keona’s story began with heartbreak. At just four weeks old, she was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome, a form of abusive head trauma that occurs when a baby is violently shaken.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this traumatic injury can cause severe brain damage, broken bones, and even death. Keona spent a month in a coma and suffered two broken legs. But her story did not end there. She was given a second chance when she was adopted by a loving family in Louisiana.
Because of the extensive time Keona spent on life support, she required a tracheostomy to help her breathe. This procedure, while life-saving, left scarring near her voice box, affecting her ability to speak. But in 2015, hope arrived in the form of Dr. Sohit Kanotra, a leading specialist in airway reconstruction. At just 18 months old, Keona underwent a complex surgery to rebuild her airway, and for the very first time, she spoke.
When Dr. Kanotra relocated across the country, Keona’s family knew they had to stay by his side to continue her care. Thanks to Miracle Flights, they were able to make the long journey to UCLA without the heavy burden of travel costs.
“We could not do this without Miracle Flights, and making sure our daughter gets the very best care is very important to us,” shares Tammy M., Keona’s mom.
Now nine years old, Keona is thriving. She is bubbly, full of energy, loves gymnastics, and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. Her latest Miracle Flight took her to UCLA for a bronchoscopy with Dr. Kanotra, a crucial procedure that ensures she stays on the path to healing.
