My name is Nina Rosen, and it is an honor to write on behalf of my godparents, Kenny and Louise Blacksmith.

For many months, Kenny has been suffering from severe and unexplained pain throughout his body, especially in his legs and lower back. After a long and difficult journey searching for answers, he was recently admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, where doctors confirmed that he has an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma ( stage 4 ).

While this diagnosis is very serious, the doctors have also shared hopeful news: this illness is treatable and potentially curable. Kenny will begin intravenous chemotherapy treatments immediately.

The road ahead, however, will be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Kenny and Louise must remain in Montreal near the hospital for ongoing treatments for an extended period of time. This means being away from their home community of Misstissini and stepping away from their normal work and ministry outreach during this season.

Although we are deeply grateful for the help provided by the Cree Health Board, the available support does not cover the full scope of the needs they will face during this time.

Our goal is to raise $70,000 in honor of Kenny’s 70th birthday, to help ensure that Kenny and Louise have the stability, support, and peace they need while Kenny focuses fully on healing.

These funds will help provide:

• Safe and comfortable housing in Montreal during treatment

• Food and daily living expenses while they are unable to work

• Travel and medical-related costs

• Ongoing rent, bills, taxes, and utilities back in their home community

• The peace of mind that allows them to focus on Kenny’s recovery

For those who know Kenny, you already understand the impact he has had on countless lives.

Kenny is not only a beloved husband, father, and friend — he is also a respected leader among the First Nations people and a former Deputy Grand Chief, who has spent decades serving others through ministry, leadership, and outreach across communities and nations. His life has been marked by generosity, courage, and a deep commitment to strengthening people and communities while sharing faith, hope, and encouragement with many around the world.

Now, during one of the most difficult battles of his life, we have the opportunity to stand with Kenny and Louise to support them, pray for them, and give back to someone who has given so much to others.

Every donation, large or small, will go directly to helping Kenny and Louise during this season.

If you are unable to give, we ask that you please share this page and keep Kenny in your prayers as he begins this fight. 100% of donations will go directly to Kenny and Louise.

Our hope is that through the generosity of friends, family, community, and the many people whose lives Kenny has touched, we can help lighten the burden so he can focus on what matters most: healing.

Thank you for standing with Kenny and Louise.

With much gratitude and faith,

Nina, Josiah Terri and David Rosen