Keisha Marie DePass, M.D.
July 23, 1975 - January 19, 2010

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/baltimoresun/obituary.aspx?n=keisha-marie-depass&pid=138901680

 
On January 19, 2010, I lost my closest and dearest friend, Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. To me, she was my best high school friend, college room-mate, maid-of-honor and one of the most generous people I've ever known. To the communities in which she lived and worked and to the world at large she was a 1996 graduate of the College of Arts and Science, 2000 graduate of the Cornell Weill Medical School and as a result a very talented pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
  
As we, her family and friends prepare to lay Keisha to rest, we are also determined to keep her memory alive. In her honor we have launched the Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. Scholarship fund campaign through Cornell University. From the moment Keisha was accepted to Cornell early decision she succeeded academically and thoroughly enjoyed her Cornell experience. Establishing this fund is no small feat, we are planning on funding an endowed scholarship, with a minimum contribution of $75,000. I am asking that if you knew Keisha, or are a Cornell alumnus or simply would like to help us in aiding the next Dr. DePass succeed at Cornell University please contribute to this most important  scholarship fund. All contributions, all sizes are welcome as we strive to reach our $75,000 goal.

Methods of Contribution:

Send a check to the Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. Fund
-Gifts can be sent to Chantal Champagne, Director of Donor Relations, Cornell University, 130 East Seneca Place, Suite 400, Ithaca, NY 14850. 

-Please be sure to note the fund name ‘Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. Fund,’ on the memo line of the check

 Give online to the Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. Fund

- Gifts can be made online using a credit card at the following web address:  https://www.giving.cornell.edu/give/

            -Please be sure to note the fund name ‘Keisha Marie DePass, M.D. Fund,’ in the special instructions box on the on-line giving page

Keisha’s Story

Keisha’s story is probably described as the American Dream realized. She was the daughter of very hard-working Jamaican parents and spent her early childhood years in Jamaica. The remainder of her childhood was spent in Brooklyn, New York where she made friendships that she maintained throughout her life. She attended Brooklyn Technical High School, she was a cheerleader, yearbook editor and among many things one of the best Spades players in the lunchroom. 

She continued her brilliant academic career at Cornell University. She was a pre-med, Biology and Society major, a peer advisor and member of the Cornell Caribbean Students Association and Black Bio-Medical & Technical Association. Although focused on her medical school goal, she took classes from Jazz to Religion and could be found playing Spades in Lowrise 6 or hanging out with friends at Late Night in RPU.

After Cornell University her story only gets better. She attended some of the best programs in the country and excelled.

Medical School:
Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, 2000
Surgical Internship:
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 2001
Orthopaedic Residency:
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 2005
Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship:
Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, 2006

Upon completion of her education, Keisha worked for and then became partners with Andrew Abramowitz, M.D. of Maryland Pediatric Orthopaedic Center. Here she was loved by her patients and respected by her colleagues.

I am sure, that for Keisha the best part of this story is meeting and marrying Amar Thomas. I don’t know if she ever imagined herself with a military man, but I believed she loved every moment of their relationship. A relationship, one among many cut short by her untimely demise. A wonderful person and skilled surgeon, she will be missed always.

Thank you,

Tracey Irby (Marin)

Cornell University, Human Ecology Class of 1996

tvm1@cornell.edu