Today Keith focuses on being a dad, a husband, a spiritual – cultural advisor, and helper in various communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, & Canada. But in July of 2024, he noticed something didn’t feel right. Symptoms started as what felt like indigestion. He treated it as normal, even making healthy lifestyle changes – but it didn’t go away.
In August of 2025, at a routine checkup with his primary care doctor, blood work results showed red flags and more blood work would be needed. Keith was proactive in getting back in right away, and testing gave him answers: Elevated Stage II Colorectal Cancer.
Keith reflects on how he almost didn’t make time to go home and get tested. He almost dismissed his symptoms…but he didn’t. He worked with his doctors on a treatment plan of surgery and chemotherapy and followed it diligently. By January, his doctor said the words he’d been waiting to hear: cancer free.
Keith continues his journey by working as a traditional practitioner with his wife as his assistant in tribal communities. He focuses on helping others honor their health and take care of their bodies and get screened. His cancer journey included using traditional medicines and encouragement from elders to keep going. Now he’s able to offer those same resources and support to others.