$12,566.00

In January of 2016, a little boy named Keenan Camilleri was born. Unbeknownst to his parents, he was having seizures that started inside the womb. At his 4 month check up, his head circumference was in the 10th percentile and he was not following objects with his eyes. He was soon sent for numerous tests, one being a 45 minute EEG which confirmed that Keenan was having seizures. Keenan was in and out of almost every south Florida hospital. Despite his seizures, his happy go lucky sweet disposition quickly warmed the hearts of many. After a cluster of seizures one February morning in 2017, his parents raced him to yet another local hospital. They were told all efforts were exhausted, and there were essentially no more options for Keenan. By the grace of God, Dr. Devinsky and the NYULMC team agreed to admit him. He would have to be air ambulanced up from Florida. Keenan spent 6 months in the NYULMC PICU where Dr. Devinsky and the team worked tirelessly to beat Keenan's disease which turned out to be Microcephaly Capillary Malformation Syndrome (MIC-CAP). This disease involved debilitating epilepsy and was terminal. Keenan and his parents would soon return to Florida where he would live out his life with quality over quantity being of the utmost importance. Keenan would be able to swim in his pool with his mom, and be around his dogs who loved him dearly. NYU went above and beyond and directed all medical needs remotely. Keenan's parents were told he would never walk, talk, or function past a 3 or 4 month old baby. Yet, his spirit soared day in, day out. Keenan lost his battle in October of 2018, a couple months shy of his 3rd birthday. Keenan loved the NYU staff dearly, and his parents feel indebted to Dr. Devinsky, Dr. Miles, and the team. Despite this difficult loss, they had Keenan longer than the 2 year life expectancy had projected. They also know how incredibly hard the team worked to beat Keenan's disease and they do not want to see any child or parent endure what they did. They want to see other children have a chance.

I know this because I am Keenan's mother and while Keenan would never walk, I am well aware how fortunate I am to have a healthy pair of legs that can carry me through a marathon all for an important purpose; to raise awareness, funding for research, and to honor my beloved sweet Keenan. This is what he would want as I promised to do my best to carry on what was clearly his purpose. Please join me by donating so perhaps, at least one little boy or girl can have a chance.

With heartfelt thanks and appreciation,

Shawna; Keenan's mom


How Your Support Makes a Difference
This campaign supports: FACES (Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures)

Your gift to FACES helps our specialists make major strides toward a cure for epilepsy, while providing exceptional clinical care, education, awareness, and support to all who come to us for care.


My Team
On Sunday, November 5, 2023, TeamFACES will be represented by 10 athletes that will run in this year's TCS NYC Marathon to spread epilepsy awareness and raise funds in support of FACES mission: To improve the quality of life for all those affected by epilepsy and seizures with the hope of finding a cure.

To inquire on joining TeamFACES, please call 646-558-0900 or email facesinfo@nyulangone.org for more information.I’m raising money for a cause that is close to my heart—driving breakthroughs in medicine and supporting world-class care at NYU Langone Health.

Join me in bringing hope to our communities. Your generosity will make a lasting difference in the lives of countless patients and their families.

Together, we’re transforming health for all. Thank you!