Dennis Keating has called the Bay Area his home all his life. He lettered in 3 sports at Marin Catholic, where he still holds athletic records to this day. My dad came from a very large family, 11 children, to be exact. I remember he told me at school he would get sent to detention every day for wearing tennis shoes, which was against the school dress code, but that was all his parents could afford. The deal was that he played all three sports for 4 years in return for a free, private high school education. Today, my dad still holds close ties to the community, his school, and his long-time friends. He’s been married to the same amazing woman, Lindsay Keating, for 35 years and has one daughter, who remains a daddy’s girl even at the age of 33. My name is Jordy Keating, and I'm raising money for my dad, Dennis Keating, and his medical expenses. My dad generally hasn’t been feeling well, off and on, for the last couple of years. He has complained of pain, trouble breathing, difficulty with walking, restless sleep, and so much more.

On June 7th, while my mom, Lindsay Keating, was visiting me in Washington, my dad called repeatedly and was panic-stricken because he felt like he was suffocating. Finally, when the pain would not subside, and with much persistence on our part, he went to the emergency room. He only stayed one night because no one was home to take care of the pets. As most of you know, my parents adore their motely crew of rescue fur babies. At the time, Dad and the medical professionals did not realize how serious things were. Within a few days Mom returned home, and they went right back to Emergency room for the 2nd time. Dad stayed in the hospital for 5 days this time. Kaiser ran numerous tests, but still, there was not a complete understanding of his diagnosis, but we were given a vague understanding and plan going forward.

After studying his echocardiograms, the doctors knew that my dad had been in heart failure for quite some time. In fact, he had received a diagnosis of eczema years ago for his swollen and discolored legs, which doctors now determined to be a misdiagnosis. In reality, it was fluid retention and sores from blanching. He was put on a plethora of medications and a very strict diet. Then, we were told he would have a cardioversion, possibly multiple times. This is a procedure that sends electric shocks through the heart in order to restore a normal heart rhythm.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, my dad returned to the emergency room for a third time on June 27th after sustaining two falls at home and passing out. We thought for sure he had suffered from a stroke because he was unable to smile and was incoherent. Thankfully, he did not have a stroke, but his kidney and liver are now being affected. All of this has increased his anxiety and depression. Given the newest developments, we are still waiting for a more thorough diagnosis and confirmation on what steps will be taken next.

My dad now wears a heart monitor and on some days cannot walk 20 feet without taking multiple breaks because he is in such discomfort. He has no idea how he will be able to return to work. He is lethargic and often sad. He tries to be optimistic, but we know he fears the unknown. My mom expressed to me that she is afraid to even leave him alone, but she must continue to work her 55 hours a week, as she is the only income at this time. Dad has a $6,500 deductible with Kaiser, after which he will still be liable for up to 60% of costs until he reaches a maximum out-of-pocket amount of $8,200. My parents are also behind on rent, $2,830.

I realize that times are tough, and money is tight for many of us, but I’m humbly asking family, friends, and neighbors for your help during this challenging time for both my dad, Dennis Keating, and my mom, Lindsay Keating. Any gift would be greatly appreciated and never forgotten. My dad is a caregiver, specifically his profession is caring for the elderly. They miss him terribly, and he is eager to return to them. But right now, I want to help take care of him for a change. If you know my dad, then I’m sure he has made you smile before. He has the special ability to make anyone, and everyone feel like an old friend while in his presence. That unique gift is so precious in this life, and I know, with all my heart, that he has many more laughs to give.