The Birkenhier Family Fund

At the start of the New Year, Keith Birkenhier was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer. At age 47 this is rare. Further tests informed him that the cancer had spread outside of the rectal wall and into surrounding lymph nodes. He will already begin treatment this upcoming Monday.


Keith and Tracy have four kids; Breanna (17), Blake (15), Bradley (13), and Brandon (11). Tracy is a stay-at-home mom, she hopes to find work to help support their family during this journey to recovery. Keith’s treatment plan will be four months of chemotherapy, immediately followed by a daily radiation for a minimum of six weeks. Two months after he will undergo surgery to remove the tumor which will result in a minimum of two months recovery. Another surgery is to follow, requiring an additional 4 to 6 weeks to recover. This leaves a minimum of one year for treatment and surgeries, if everything goes as medically planned.


This family lives in a great community and belongs to St. Stephen’s Parish in New Boston. They have a strong Christian faith and believe in the power of prayer. Tracy is trying to figure out how to go back to work and still manage their family and care for Keith. They have always dedicated their finances to their monthly bills and providing for their children’s education and well being. They do not have a rainy day fund for this unexpected storm. Keith’s journey to recovery will significantly impact their family not only emotionally, but financially, resulting in a hardship to cover their medical and living expenses.  


Please pray for Keith and his family as they endure one of the toughest obstacles they may ever have to face. All donations will be used towards their medical expenses and trying to make ends meet for this family. Anything helps.


Thank you and God bless.