If you've met Keaton, chances are you've been greeted by one of his signature smiles. At just 8 months old, he is full of joy, personality, and determination. He's not the least bit shy and loves making new friends wherever he goes. Whether it's at daycare, with family, or even with complete strangers, Keaton is known for greeting people with a giant smile, a scrunchy little face, and a giggle that can brighten anyone's day. While most people see a happy, silly little boy, behind that smile is a journey that has already been far more difficult than any child should have to face.

At Erin's 36-week ultrasound, doctors discovered an abnormality in Keaton's heart. After additional testing and a transition in care to Children's Mercy in Kansas City, they received the devastating diagnosis that Keaton has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow throughout major body systems. For Keaton, the condition primarily affects his heart and brain.

Doctors explained that because of the number of tubers present in his brain, epilepsy was not a question of if, but when.

At just 4 weeks old, Erin and AJ began noticing seizure activity. By 6 weeks old, Keaton was admitted back to Children's Mercy. What was expected to be a 2–3 day hospital stay quickly turned into a month-long admission when an EEG revealed that Keaton's brain was in a constant seizure state.

Doctors tried multiple anti-seizure medications, but none were able to stop the seizure activity. Eventually, Keaton was sedated and placed on a ventilator in an effort to slow his brain activity and give his brain a chance to rest. Despite every effort, the seizures could not be fully controlled. When Keaton was finally discharged home after a month in the hospital, he was still experiencing up to 14 seizures an hour. He went home on multiple anti-seizure medications and a specialized diet, with the understanding that brain surgery would likely be necessary.

Since then, Keaton's family has transferred his care to Cincinnati Children's, where specialists have extensive experience treating Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Over the coming months, they will be making multiple trips for imaging, testing, consultations, and ultimately brain surgery.

As you can imagine, the emotional, physical, and financial burden of this journey has been immense. Funds raised will help support Keaton's ongoing medical care, travel expenses, therapies, and the many unexpected costs that come with managing a lifelong medical condition.

While brain surgery offers hope, there are still many unknowns ahead. TSC is a lifelong diagnosis, and Keaton may face future challenges, including additional tumor growth and ongoing seizure activity. But if there's one thing Keaton has shown from the very beginning, it's resilience. Despite everything he has endured in his short life, Keaton continues to meet each day with a smile. Through every hospital stay, test, and treatment, he continues to laugh, bring joy to everyone around him, and remind us all how strong he truly is.

We are hopeful for Keaton's future and grateful for the incredible team of doctors caring for him. Most of all, we are grateful for the love, prayers, and support of family, friends, and our community.

Whether you're able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep Keaton, Erin and AJ in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being part of his journey.

Every act of kindness helps lighten the load and reminds this family that they are not walking this road alone.