About Us
Miracle Mireya Foundation is dedicated to honoring Mireya's legacy by preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome, supporting families of children with disabilities, and spreading joy through acts of kindness. Through education, disability consultation, system navigation, and advocacy, we aim to create a positive impact and ensure every child's right to a safe and fulfilling life. Together, we can turn tragedy into triumph and raise awareness while spreading Mireya's radiant smile to the world.
Meet The Founder
Meet Miracle Mireya Foundation Founder/CEO- Kathy Keck
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Kathy has devoted over 30 years to the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, driven by both professional dedication and personal experience. A foster parent and adoptive mother of five, Kathy has embraced the challenges and joys of raising three children with complex medical and developmental needs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services Education from Emporia State University and a Master’s in Business Administration,
specializing in Change Management, from Friends University. Kathy’s career at the state level spans numerous roles in mu ltiple agencies, equipping her with an in-depth understanding of the systems and policies affecting individuals with disabilities. This knowledge allows her to navigate complex systems and advocate for improvements that make a difference in the lives of those she serves.
A tireless advocate, Kathy has testified before the Kansas Legislature on issues such as expanding dental benefits, addressing the care workforce crisis, and ensuring access to in-home support services. She has also taken on leadership roles as Chair of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, a member of the Kansas Department of Health
and Environment Family Advisory Committee, and an advisor for Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Tracheostomy Parent and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). Kathy also provides support to families through her work with the Parents Offering Support (POPS) program. Kathy’s decision to leave her career to care for her daughter, Mireya, was a testament to her dedication as a mother. Mireya’s tragic experience
became the spark that ignited the creation of the Miracle Mireya Foundation, where Kathy continues to honor her daughter’s legacy through advocacy, education and change.
Who is Mireya?
In 2015 Mireya was born a full term, healthy baby girl. When Mireya was seven weeks old, this reality changed when she was violently shaken by a biological parent. As a result of this senseless and traumatic abuse, the trajectory of Mireya’s life was changed forever. At four months old Mireya’s brain had deteriorated and she required a tracheostomy and g-tube for survival. Her large foster family was told she would never have quality of life. Mireya and God had different plans. In her short eight years, Mireya defied all the odds. The little baby who was now never supposed to walk, talk, see, hear, or interact with her environment exceeded expectations. This joyous little girl, although never having a voice understandable by the English dialect, communicated volumes with her million dollar smile and her contagious belly laugh.
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Mireya was adopted by her foster family in October 2019 who adored her and committed to making each day matter.
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Mireya was a fashionista. She always had her hair, fingernails and toenails done, matching bows, glasses, and shoes. She enjoyed listening to music, her party light, Pete the Cat, Pierre the Penguin, singing songs with mom, playing jokes on people by intentionally setting off her monitors, dancing with daddy, doing crafts and reading books with sister, silly sounds with her brother and solos he would sing to her when he thought no one was watching, playing with all her switch adaptive toys, especially those with lights and music, hearing her brother Jacob laugh and snuggle time with him, her musical clocks that chimed a song at every hour, bath (spa) days, getting her fingernails and toenails painted, visits to the zoo, TARC park, Kansas Discovery Center for play dates, advocating at the Capital with her mom, playing games and hanging out with her cousins, and family vacations. Her favorite trip was her Make a Wish trip to Disney and meeting all her favorite princesses and visiting the ocean.
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Mireya’s life was short due to heart-breaking circumstances, but those events were the inspiration for Mireya’s Law. Mireya captivated everyone she met with her smile that could light up the entire night sky. Her belly laugh, which made her whole body jiggle, could brighten anyone's day.
What is Mireya's Law?
Mireya's Law in Kansas, enacted as part of Senate Bill 18 and signed by Governor Laura Kelly, aims to enhance penalties for child abuse and involuntary manslaughter when the victim is under six years old. Specifically, it raises the penalty for involuntary manslaughter from a severity level 5 to a severity level 3-person felony, and for child abuse from a severity level 5 to a severity level 4-person felony. Former Kansas State Senator Eric Rucker was instrumental in introducing and spearheading this important bill into law. ​​
Meet The Board
Dan Keck- Board Chair
Dan is the proud adoptive father of beloved Mireya and four other children. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008 and his Master of Nursing in 2016. Currently, Dan serves as an Nurse Practitioner at the Kansas Neurological Institute, where he is dedicated to providing exceptional care to over 120 individuals. As a former adjunct professor at Washburn University, Dan enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for healthcare through teaching. A respected leader in his workplace, he draws on his extensive education, professional expertise, and personal experience to improve the quality of life for over 130 residents under his care.
Leo Perron- Board Treasurer
Leo, Mireya’s devoted uncle, inspired the name “Show Your Teeth Photography.” A lifelong advocate for Mireya, he played a key role in establishing the Miracle Mireya Foundation. Leo is a proud father of seven and grandfather to eight. With over 30 years of experience as a Computer Systems Manager at Bartlett and West Engineering, he brings both dedication and expertise to everything he does.
Lisa Perron- Board Secretary
Lisa, Mireya’s beloved aunt, is a proud mother of five and grandmother of twelve, nine on this side of heaven. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English/writing from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is an accomplished author of four books. Lisa has been instrumental in the
establishment of the Miracle Mireya Foundation, frequently lending her exceptional editing skills to its mission.
Our Mission
To honor Mireya's legacy by preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome through education and advocacy, supporting families of children with disabilities, and spreading joy and kindness in the community.
