What’s in a name?

Round 2, pregnant again with another boy and undecided on his name. Our contenders didn’t match up to our older son Ayrton’s, whose namesake is legendary Brazilian F1 racecar driver, Ayrton Senna. Luckily I found a new name to throw in the mix while watching a series of my favorite films starring Keanu Reeves. I learned Keanu is a Hawaiian name that means ‘cool breeze over the mountains.’ In Hawaiian culture, where nature holds deep significance, this name represents a refreshing and gentle force, evoking sentiments of tranquility and comfort which immediately transported me back to a family trip to Maui where we saw the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala volcano. The transition from chilly, cold temperatures during the early morning hours, to a soothing and welcoming breeze as the sun ascended over the clouds, is forever embedded in my memory. That breathtaking experience plus Reeves’s inspiring acts of kindness, his cool vibes onscreen and offscreen, and the meaning of his name was all we needed to know it was the “most excellent” (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) first name. For his middle name, I remember the pride and joy in my husband Frank’s eyes when I suggested Francisco.  The full version of his first name went beautifully. To be honored with his name living on with Kiki meant the world to him.

But when Keanu Francisco Paulino abruptly left this world (not long enough to even learn how to write his own name), we essentially had to became bold fighters. Who didn’t hide from pain. Instead we transfer pain and grief into taking on new, fun, challenging and purposeful opportunities, because that is how Kiki’s name lives on, through us.

 “Sometimes in order for you to develop, some types of situations are necessary. These situations make you confront yourself and the uncomfortable. Be thankful, these moments carry the potential to unlock something very fundamental inside of you.”

– Shi Heng Yi, Shaolin Master

Frank and his nephew Anthony completed the March 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon as runners for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project (CBTP) at Weill Cornell Medicine. The original plan was to recruit Anthony to run the 13.1 miles while we focused on fundraising. But with less than 2.5 months before the half marathon was to take place, Frank (who is not an avid runner and never participated in a race) gained inspiration from Kiki, whose gentle force carried him through miles of running when doubt and discomfort overwhelmed him. Frank participating in the race was more than a physical challenge, but a powerful statement of love and dedication in spreading Kiki’s legacy and hope for children battling brain tumors. Every dollar raised went directly towards CBTP continuing clinical research, expanding their team, accelerating discoveries, and pushing forward the pursuit of cures for children like Kiki in the future.

As we approach Kiki’s 1 year since entering heaven’s playground, I remember how the meaning of his name came full circle as he comforted us at the cemetery as his small, simple white coffin was wheeled away. Frank and I sat on a bench like two mountains, with our pain on full display, unable to move. A gentle breeze passed over and through us. Like an embrace, full of love, strength and good vibes for our journey ahead.

*Meaning of the first name Keanu sourced from Ancestry.com and MomJunction.com.