Keshawn Sergio Vaughn

Keshawn Sergio Vaughn was born on January 18, 2010, to Sabrina and Kethern Vaughn Sr. at

Dallas Health Presbyterian at 3:51pm. He was Baby C of the Vaughn Triplets (Baby A: Sanaa

3:49pm & Baby B: Sebastian 3:50pm).

From the time he entered the world, Keshawn made his presence known. His parents instantly

noticed his desire to be bold and different when he refused to conform to the triplets’

established sleep schedule. Perhaps it was because he came home from the NICU two days

after his siblings. Still, months passed and Keyshawn was still sleeping on his own schedule. He

seemed to be at ease staying up late with his beloved Uncle Rufus, who was a new college

graduate. Everyone welcomed Keyshawn’s individuality. He played with Sanaa and Sebastian

happily until age two, then he began to retreat inwardly.

At two-and-a-half years old, Keshawn was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After his

parents learned of his diagnosis, Keshawn quickly began intensive intervention to help eradicate

several of the common symptoms associated with Autism. At age six, Keshawn’s parents

removed him from public school and enrolled him full-time into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

therapy at the Wayman Center in Plano, Texas. There, Keshawn began to thrive. The journey to

correct his extreme behaviors was not easy. Yet, Keyshawn persevered and made tremendous

strides with his behavior and speech skills.

As Keshawn was excelling and overcoming several autism deficits, his progress was halted

unexpectedly. On June 14, 2018, Keyshawn received the devastating diagnosis of

Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, limb-saving

surgery, radiation and blood transfusions, Keshawn persevered to continue attending his ABA

therapy. He earned the nickname “CHAMP” from his parents because he bravely fought

cancer and severe autism at the same time. He was often tired, but he pushed himself most

days until his mobility began to rapidly deteriorate.

Keshawn wore a big smile, loved his action figures, and kept his iPad with him at all times to

watch Elmo and slime videos! He enjoyed swinging, jumping on the trampoline, and rubbing

the bark of trees. Chicken tenders, french fries, pizza, chocolate pudding, lollipops and fruit

snacks consistently brought him joy. Gatorade® and Powerade® were his favorite drinks.

Additionally, he loved to give kisses, headlock hugs, and flirt with all his therapists, nurses and

techs at the hospital.

Keshawn is survived by his parents: Sabrina and Kethern Vaughn Sr.; Siblings: Sanaa, Sebastian,

Madison and KJ; Grandparents: Geraldine and Dennis Cooper, Rose and Ronald Williams, and

Cheryl Neal; Greatgrandmother: Ruby Williams; Aunts: Shantina Oliver and Sonya Watson;

Uncles: Rufus Williams, Marcolm Watson, Marcus Vaughn, Neiman Vaughn and Maurice Oliver.

Godmother: Angelyne Rogers; and a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins, friends and

others who loved him dearly.

In his short life, Keshawn “CHAMP” Vaughn touched the lives of so many people. His spirit and

legacy will continue through the Hatching Hope Foundation (HHF). The HHF is a 501c3 nonprofit

organization that was founded in 2013 by Keshawn’s mother in his honor. You can learn more

and support the mission at hatchinghope.org.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Hatching Hope Foundation (HHF). HHF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded in Keshawn’s honor five years ago by his mother, Sabrina Vaughn. She will continue raising autism and cancer awareness to ensure that Keshawn’s life, smile and legacy are never forgotten.

Please use the following website link to make your memorial contribution in Keshawn’s honor: http://hatchinghope.org/index.html. These donations are tax deductible. If you want to make a donation directly to the family, you are welcome to do so.

If you prefer to send the family a meal, you are welcome to do so. Several Dallas/Ft. Worth area Autism moms have gotten together and created a meal train. Please use the following link to send the family a meal during this difficult time:

https://takethemameal.com/HLFN1393

The Vaughn Family has decided to use the Residence Inn in Frisco, Texas, as the host hotel for our family and friends that will be traveling to join us for Champ’s Celebration of Life Memorial service.

Guestroom Block Available at:

Residence Inn Dallas Frisco, 4343 Frisco Green Ave, Frisco, TX 75034

Guestroom Rate - $89

Discounted Self Parking rate-$7

Complimentary full breakfast, Wifi, and self parking on the street included.

Please contact them directly at 972-987-0822 and ask for The Vaughn Family Room Block to make reservations. The cut off date to make reservations is Thursday September 5, 2019.