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| This website is dedicated in memory of my nephew, Keven Joseph Hooper (November 20, 1987 ~ April 23, 2003) |
| Let me begin by letting you know a bit about Keven..... Keven was born November 20th, 1987 in Lakewood California. At birth Keven was diagnosed with multiple congenital heart defects. His condition included Transposition of the great vessels, Tricuspid Atresia, Pulmonary Atresia, Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Hypoplastic Pulmonary Artery, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Arterial Septal Defect (ASD). Keven spent his first six months at Children's Hospital of Orange County undergoing numerous life saving surgeries. Keven went home from Children's Hospital Orange County on oxygen and was in and out of the hospital with various viruses, pneumonia and check-ups. During his first three years, Keven had undergone five major open-heart surgeries, which included placement of five "shunts" in preparation for the Norwood or Fontan procedure down the road. Keven had also developed tachycardia, which caused his heart to flutter at an uncontrolled rate. |
| In August of 1991, Keven once again went into tachycardia. The local Community Hospital could not control this crisis and that sent Keven directly to Loma Linda University Medical Center. There it was determined, that for quality of life, Keven would have a better chance of survival with a Heart Transplant. On September 12, 1991, Keven received his first Heart Transplant. Five years later, Keven developed Coronary Artery Disease, which required a second Transplant. Keven was re-transplanted on December 13, 1996. |
| In September of 2002, at the age of 14, Keven became ill with the Epstein-Barr Virus. Keven spent nearly three months fighting the virus and three months recovering. March 2003, Keven was re-admitted to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital for treatment of the Epstein-Barr Virus and possible Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease (PTLD). On April 23, 2003, at 2:36 pm, Keven died from complications of PTLD. |
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| Keven was a huge sports enthusiast. At Rubidoux High School, Keven was active with both football and baseball. Keven was also active with the American Heart Association *(Heartwalk)*, the Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Charities and learning to be an Ambassador for One Legacy, a transplant donor network. ** Keven walked with the Inland Empire American Heart Association's Heartwalk. They dedicated the 2003/2004 Heartwalk as a tribute to his life and his enthusiasm for the Heartwalk. |
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| In one of the stars I shall be living In one of them I shall be laughing And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night ~ The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
| I AM NOT THERE Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond's glint in snow, I am the sunlight on ripening grain, I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die. |
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| Keven was a sports-loving, friendly, loving and giving person. His favorite teams were the Ribidoux High School football team and the Anaheim Angels. Although he dealt with heart disease his entire life, undergoing five major heart surgeries and two heart transplants, he never let it curb his enthusiasm for sports and life (in that order). |
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| Midi Playing: I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me |
| Keven's favorite character was Pooh Bear. He had numerous stuffed Pooh's. It was always easy to figure out what to get Keven as a gift...any thing to do with Pooh Bear. |
| Keven is survived by his parents Clint and Karen and three sister's, Kelly and twins, Kaitlyn and Kristen, his paternal grandparents, Joe and Rosabell Hooper, his maternal grandmother, Gertrude Schmidt and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousin's. |
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| Don't grieve for me because I am gone, For there will be a brighter dawn. I may not be here, but memories thrive~~ And, in your mind, I am still alive. My life was good because of you! You made the skies forever blue. You loved me with your heart and soul, You made my life complete and whole. Please don't be sad, and do not cry, It's part of life to say good-bye. Think of all the love we shared, How much we gave, how much we cared. You'll see my face when the sky is bright, Or hear my voice in the quiet night. My presence will be with you every day, So, don't believe I've gone away! And, one day when the time is right, We will join hands in Heaven's light. There'll be no sorrow and no more pain, For God will join us once again. ~~ Carol Hamilton ~~ |
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| SHIELD OF FAITH |
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| Designed and created by Keven's Aunt, Joanne Lester |
The 2003/2004 American Heart Association Inland Empire Heartwalk took place on February 29, 2004. Please click here now for words of thanks from the Hooper family. |
| Join the Hooper Family for the 13th Annual Relay For Kids and Funfest May 18, 2008 Sylvan Park in Redlands Click here for more information |
| Website last updated: November 04, 2008 |
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| Click next button for picture collage. |
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