East Elementary News
Special "Heart Hero" Edition
Meet our very own Heart Hero, KeKe Devroe!
KeKe's Story...
Earlier this year, KeKe began to experience difficulty while engaging in physical activity, like during PE. In October, KeKe began complaining of asthma-like symptoms. After being cleared by the nurse, our Communities-in-Schools Site Coordinator, Charnese Perez, began monitoring KeKe closely.
After visiting her pediatrician later that month and having an EKG run, it was determined that KeKe could return to school without limitations. Our campus nurse, Jessie Gallagher, began working with staff members on campus to monitor KeKe's oxygen levels throughout the day and noticed inconsistencies when she participated in physical activity, even when using the stairs!
Toward the end of November, KeKe had an episode in PE which resulted in very low oxygen levels. At that time, KeKe's physician referred her to a cardiologist for further evaluation. In early December, KeKe met with the cardiologist, who wanted to refer her to a specialist in Dallas for further testing.
While awaiting that appointment, KeKe had an episode where she experienced blurred vision, dizziness, and a headache. KeKe's mom, Zitra Rivera, was alerted and she rushed KeKe to the ER here in Lubbock. Upon further testing, it was determined that KeKe would need extensive cardiac care and she was flown to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston early the next morning.
Around the middle of December, it was determined that KeKe has Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). This condition is very rare in children and very, very serious. More information about PAH is provided below.
In early January, KeKe was released from Texas Children's Hospital and returned to Lubbock. She came back to school on January 14, 2019, with a big welcome party awaiting her! Her classmates were so excited for her to return!
In spite of her treatment plan, KeKe has continued to experience symptoms of PAH. On February 5, KeKe experienced a seizure and was flown back to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with KeKe and her family as she fights PAH!
KeKe's KAMC Feature
On January 14, KeKe returned to East Elementary after her stay at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston! KAMC was on hand to help us capture her return! Click on the link below to watch KeKe's KAMC feature story!
Upcoming Events for our Heart Hero
Dress Up Days for $1 each - ALL proceeds benefitting KeKe!
Monday, February 25 - 'Merica Monday: Red, white & blue!
Tuesday, February 26 - Team Up Tuesday: Wear your favorite team jersey or colors!
Wednesday, February 27 - Wacky Wednesday: Silly hair, socks, or hats!
Thursday, February 28 - Heart Hero Thursday: Superhero costume or "KeKe Strong" shirt!
Friday, March 1 - Future Friday: Dress up for your dream job!
Other Campus-Wide Events:
Thursday, February 21 - East Elementary "Wear Red" Day for Heart Health
Thursday, February 28 - "Healthy Hearts, Healthy Families" Night at East Elementary (6:00-7:30)
Looking Ahead:
May 1 - World Pulmonary Hypertension Day
What is Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)?
Normally blood flows from the right side of the heart into the pulmonary arteries and smaller blood vessels in the lungs. The blood vessels have muscles in their walls that can relax or contract to allow more or less blood flow to enter.
In pulmonary hypertension, the blood vessels of the lungs have an increased amount of muscle in the walls. This causes a higher resistance in the lungs. The right side of the heart then has to work harder to pump blood out to the lungs. The right side of the heart will enlarge and thicken in response to this extra work. With time, the extra work placed on the right side of the heart can cause it to fail.
The most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are related to breathing trouble. They include:
- Progressive shortness of breath (especially with activity)
- Hyperventilation (breathing harder and faster)
- Fatigue (tiring easily)
- Fainting spells
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Coughing up blood
Information located here:
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/p/pulmonary-hypertension
"KeKe Strong" Shirt Orders
Orders for shirts can be placed with a paper order form or online by visiting this link:
https://kekestrong.bigcartel.com/
Additionally, extra copies of the paper order form are available in the East Elementary office.
Orders that are received by Tuesday, February 12, will be delivered on Tuesday, February 19. We will not order extra shirts at this time, but do plan on placing a second order later this month.
"KeKe Strong" Bracelets
We'll also be offering KeKe strong silicone bracelets in support of KeKe! We anticipate receiving our bracelets around February 24. Each bracelet will be sold for $3 and ALL proceeds will go to KeKe's medical expenses.
Healthy Hearts, Healthy Families - Feb. 28
Make sure you bring your appetite! We had a generous donation of hot dogs for the event, along with chips and bottled water. We will also have three food trucks on hand for purchasing a delicious dessert: Cupcake Avenue, Jordan's Food Truck, and Kona Ice!
Organizations that have committed to the evening event include:
- United Pharmacy
- Star Care
- Abbeville Dentistry
- Obstacle Warrior Kids
- Walmart Vision Center
- Premier Martial Arts
- Maximus
- Covenant Outreach Dental Services
- Parenting Cottage
- South Plains Food Bank
- Adrenaline City (Now Tru Fit)
We hope to hear back from other organizations soon and will update our list as we hear back!
Coach Chavez also has lots of fun planned in the gym, with several games and activities for the whole family to enjoy!
Come join us as we celebrate KeKe, learn about ways we can keep our families healthy, and foster relationships as an East Elementary team, too!