Keyaun Quanell Schmitt Hardimon was pure light.
From the moment he walked into a room, his smile softened everything around him. He had an energy that wrapped itself around family, friends, and even strangers that had a way of making people feel safe, seen and loved. To his mother, Kenyuanna, he was more than a son. He was more than her baby boy. He was her best friend, her joy, her peace.
Keyaun lived with a full heart. He loved making people laugh, uplifting his friends and showing up for the people he cared about. Family meant everything to him. Whether he was spending time with his cousins, joking around, FaceTiming his mom throughout the day or just being his playful, goofy self, Keyaun gave love freely and without hesitation. Even when he needed comfort himself, he was the one checking on everyone else.
Sports were another source of joy in Keyaun’s life. He played basketball while at middle school at Lincoln School in Peoria as well as participating in the Peoria Pride basketball league and the Woodruff Junior Football League. He loved the energy and connection that came with teamwork. But more than anything, it was his loyalty and kindness that defined him. He believed in treating people right. He believed in helping others.
When Kenyuanna lost Keyaun at age 15, her world changed forever.
In the middle of unimaginable grief, Gift of Hope approached her with compassion, gently explaining that Keyaun could save lives through organ and tissue donation. It was the hardest conversation she has ever faced. But even in that moment of heartbreak, she knew her son’s heart was big enough to change the world.
Keyaun was not registered as a donor, but his generosity was unmistakable. Kenyuanna said yes to donation because she knew, without question, that her son would have wanted to help someone else. He gave so much in life, and she knew he would give in death, too.
Through his generous gift of corneas and tissue, Keyaun gave families more quality time. Knowing that his story didn’t end, but instead changed chapters, brings comfort to his family. Donation gave her family purpose in the middle of heartbreak. It reminded them that even in tragedy, miracles are still possible and that hope can exist alongside grief.
Today, Kenyuanna honors Keyaun in countless ways: through her writing, Heaven’s Whisper Pen where poetry and tributes keep his voice alive; through balloon releases, birthdays, photos, and sharing his story wherever she goes. She wears his bracelet, speaks his name, and carries his memory with her every single day.
Kenyuanna wants others to know that organ and tissue donation is more than a medical decision. It is a gift of life. A blessing. A chance for another family to be spared the pain she knows so deeply.
To anyone hesitant about registering, she offers this simple truth:
“If you could save a life, why wouldn’t you? Someone out there is praying for a miracle—and you could be the answer.”
Keyaun’s life was filled with love. His legacy is filled with hope. And his light will never fade.
