SAN DIEGO — Jim and Erin Keegan both work for the San Diego Unified School District. Erin is a fourth grade teacher and Jim is an adaptive physical education teacher. Last month they celebrated 20 years of marriage with a trip to the Azores, but it took a devastating turn for the family.
“It started to get late and my phone rang and it was the local police calling to let me know there had been an accident,” Erin said.
Jim had been in an accident while he was at the beach body surfing with his son. Meanwhile, Erin and her daughter had stayed in because they thought they both had COVID.
Once Erin got to the hospital, she got a better picture of what had happened.
“He sustained spinal injury so he is currently paralyzed below the neck,” Erin said.
Jim is receiving treatment at a local hospital. Meanwhile, people close to him are rallying together and offering their support.
“If there's anything that I've learned from the Keegan family is how strong they are and how close-knit they are and how much they lean into family and community,” Family friend and Colleague Michael McEwen said.
A 'GoFundMe' has been set up to help the Keegan family during this difficult time. So far, it has raised more than $81,000.
“You know, they are going to be going through some battles and so for us as a community here at Dailard we just…we just want to step into that we want to be as helpful as we possibly can,” McEwen said.
One thing is for sure among those close to Jim, hope is not lost.
“It's a tragedy but we are…we’re looking forward to some miracles,” McEwen said.
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