Nearly eight years after the death of six-year-old Paige Keely, her family and community continue to turn heartbreak into hope through ongoing efforts to raise awareness about brain arteriovenous malformations.
Nearly 200 supporters gathered at Nissequogue Golf Club for the third annual Paige Keely Foundation Golf Classic, an event dedicated to honoring Paige’s memory while advancing lifesaving research.
Paige, a first grader at St. James Elementary School, died in 2018 from an undiagnosed brain arteriovenous malformation, a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes critical.
Her mother, Gina Keely, has since committed herself to preventing similar tragedies.
“The goal is to find this at the earliest stages of life,” she said.
The golf outing featured a full day of activities, including tournament play, dinner, raffles, auctions and entertainment, all aimed at bringing the community together for a common cause.
Proceeds from the event support critical initiatives, including a two-year research fellowship with Stony Brook University Medicine focused on improving awareness and early detection of brain AVMs.
“The earlier we find it, the more treatable it becomes,” Keely added.
Organizers said the growing turnout reflects increasing community support and a shared commitment to advancing research that could save lives.
The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, established in her memory, continues to fund independent research and educate families about a condition that, when detected early, is often treatable.
Through events like the Golf Classic, Paige’s legacy endures, inspiring others to seek answers, support research and help ensure more children have the chance to live full, healthy lives.
Keely said her daughter’s vibrant spirit continues to motivate the foundation’s mission to raise awareness, fund research and ultimately prevent future tragedies caused by undetected brain conditions. Community members said the event also offers comfort, connection, and renewed purpose each year moving forward.