Keygan Champ Rohrich was born on July 1st, 2006, with a brain aneurism and heart malformation. He spent his first 28 days in Children’s Hospital in Denver. He was 3 months old before he could return home to Salida due to the elevation.
During the first 3 months, he had daily doctor visits. He had his first brain surgery in March 2007, and second in May 2007. It is estimated he will need 10-20 more brain surgeries. Once the brain aneurism is completed, he will be able to have his first heart surgery.
Doctors are hopeful to have the surgeries completed by the time Keygan is 5 years old. Keygan spent most of his first year on oxygen 24 hours per day. Now, he is only on oxygen at night.
His parents are Andy and Cathy Rohrich, which are both Salida High School graduates. Andy is a detective for the Chaffee County Sheriffs Department and Cathy is a firefighter for the City of Salida.
Medical expenses so far have well exceeded $1 million. Even with medical insurance provided through the city, Andy and Cathy are left with numerous deductibles, co-pays and other expenses with frequent trips to Denver.
As a personal note, my family is covered through the same insurance policy, and after the birth of our two children, we had stacks of medical bills. However, isn’t not even a fraction of what Keygan has had.
So, during the month of February, we will be donating 10% of all sales to Keygan. We also have a can for donations at the studio, or donations can be made to Keygan Champ Rohrich at High Country Bank, in Salida. We are also asking any other businesses to get involved in Keygan’s Month and help out this local child.
