River Keough
“We appreciate your generosity more than words can describe. Your support means the world to us and this is something that we will truly never forget. Thank you!”
River Keough sustained a severe, lifelong injury on November 16, 2020, shortly before his birth. At just 19 years old and 34 weeks pregnant, River's mother noticed that he wasn't kicking as much as usual following her baby shower. Despite being reassured by others that this was normal, she had a deep feeling that something was wrong. She tried everything to get River to move—playing music, eating her favorite foods, and talking to him—but nothing worked. Concerned, she went to the hospital, where doctors conducted a 45-minute ultrasound and found that River wasn’t breathing. An emergency C-section was performed, and River was rushed to the NICU, spending 18 days there before his family even learned he had suffered a brain injury at birth. It wasn’t until over a year later that they realized the extent of his injury.
The Be Perfect Foundation has been instrumental in helping River and his family secure the Levity gait trainer, which will give River the independence he's been longing for. Unable to walk or stand by himself, this gait trainer will allow him to participate in activities like sports that he has previously only watched from the sidelines. Now, River is enrolled in his first dance class with kids his age. "He gets to participate without being forced into special treatment or a specific class," says his mother. "He gets to be on the same level as his peers." River is excited to be a part of his first recital, where he’ll wear a costume and perform on stage. With the Levity, River also looks forward to trying new activities like T-ball, mini-golf, soccer, and basketball—activities that were once out of reach for him.
River’s physical limitations have not stopped him from shining in other areas of his life. He's an incredibly bright and social 3-year-old who loves cracking jokes, talking to everyone he meets, and cheering people up when they’re sad. However, his awareness of his limitations has started to affect his confidence, especially when he sees other kids running around and playing in ways that he cannot. His mother shares, "He's only 3, but hearing from his teacher that he's struggling with confidence because of his physical limitations is something no parent is prepared for." When asked what was important to him, River immediately said he wanted to participate in sports with other kids. Thanks to the Be Perfect Foundation’s generosity, that dream is now a reality. "Knowing my son will be able to play with kids his age and not feel out of place is such a weight off my chest," says his mother. "It reminds me that there are still people who care and are willing to help."
In addition to sports, River has set other goals for himself, such as standing independently, improving his walking with the gait trainer, and eventually walking with just crutches. He even dreams of learning to use a power wheelchair one day. His determination shines through in everything he does, including his progress with using his right hand, which he used to call his "bad hand." Through hard work and dedication, River has made strides and now uses his right hand, which he affectionately calls "George," to hold things, even if just for a short time.
River's family is deeply grateful to the Be Perfect Foundation for their support. "Thank you for giving River the gift of independence and exploration, and for giving me the gift of watching him experience the world from the front, instead of from behind while holding him," says his mother. "Your generosity is something we will truly never forget."
