Our family is asking for help supporting Keaton Kemmer (26) as he fights through a long and painful medical journey caused by severe ulcerative colitis.

Over the past year, Keaton became extremely sick. His condition deteriorated to the point where he lost large amounts of blood, lost roughly 45 lbs, and became dangerously anemic. One morning, I found him incredibly pale, frail, and clearly in serious condition. I immediately took him to the hospital where doctors rushed him in and began running extensive tests to figure out what was happening.

After many tests and a difficult process to diagnose the issue, doctors determined Keaton had ulcerative colitis. He had the hope of experimenting with different medications to live a normal life without surgery, but his body rejected those options. His symptoms became so severe that immediate surgery was necessary.

His first major surgery involved removing his entire colon, which was a massive and life-altering procedure. The recovery has been incredibly painful and difficult, including some post-surgical complications, a hematoma, and intense pain. At this point, he had been in the hospital 54 days total.

Keaton has since undergone a second major surgery to create a J-pouch, which is part of a multi-stage process that will hopefully allow him to live without a permanent ostomy bag. During his current recovery from this surgery, he developed another hematoma, fluid build-up, and an E. coli infection. He's been in the hospital for another 19 days.

He now faces a third upcoming surgery that will finalize the J-pouch and remove the external bag.

This has been an incredibly long and painful road for Keaton. Because of his condition and the surgeries, he has not been able to work since the beginning of August last year, and the financial stress has become overwhelming.

Between his recovery and everyday living expenses like rent, Keaton is facing a huge financial burden at a time when he should be focusing entirely on healing.

Keaton is someone who would never ask for help himself, but right now he truly needs the support of family, friends, and our communities.

Donations will help him recover without worrying about rent and basic living costs.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help relieve some of the pressure during this incredibly difficult time.

If you would prefer to support Keaton directly outside of GoFundMe, donations can also be sent via Venmo to: @Keaton-Kemmer

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to us.

Our family is deeply grateful for any support, prayers, and encouragement as Keaton continues fighting through this and working toward recovery.

Thank you for helping Keaton get through this.

— Josh Kemmer (Cousin)