Saturday was a busy one. From the Lions Clubs 1St Annual SxS & Golf Cart Poker Run to getting the show calves washed & hauled to the county fair. 
2 weeks ago, life looked a whole lot differently. Keaton and I were trying to prepare for a month long stay at the hospital. Talking multiple times about mom being gone a few days to help prepare Jae for the fair & the cattle show. Keaton giving her strict instructions on how to show Bandit for him since he would be going through his round of chemo leading into his stem cell transplant. 
2 weeks ago, our life’s changed drastically in a matter of what felt like the longest hours of our life. Uncertain of the future and what it held. But isn’t that where God wants us to be?! As Christians turning to Him in all aspects of the day. The good to the bad. And during the scary moments coming to our knees asking Him for Guidance. Seeking His Way & Timing. 
I didn’t think it would be possible for Keaton to make it to the county fair last night. But he did. He continues to improve each day. He even made it out to the ring with a little push & shove along the way to watch his momma set his calf, Bandit up for the judge - where he won Grand Champion Market Steer {his steer will be for sale on Monday evening at the Ralls County Jr Sale}. 
Thank you to each and everyone who participated in yesterday’s 1st Annual Perry Lions Club SxS & Golf Cart Poker Run, the silent auction baskets, donations & support from our community. A special thank you to Dalton, & those who helped us last night during the Cattle Show where I was managing 4 cattle & 2 kids — it was a blessing to make it. Even if in the chaos of it all - - we didnt think we’d even get 2 calves there a few weeks ago. 
Each day is one I no longer take for granted…. Every memory. Every “mom” I hear. I will continue to cherish it more than I ever have before. Taking the pictures. Giving the hugs, holding each kiddo a little extra. 
This week is another full 5 days of Radiation (Daily) plus Keaton has Occupational & Physical Therapy scheduled. He has an MRI on Thursday to see where things set since the EVD was removed & radiation started. We will meet with his oncology, radiology & neurology surgeon as well this week. 
We continue to ask for prayers for Keaton’s strength to keep improving, that the radiation will jar the tumor enough to quit growing & for our family as we keep pushing forward. 
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you," Deuteronomy 31:6

7.13.2025

A special clearance was awarded this afternoon for Rex to make a visit to the PICU (apparently one of the only ones to do so) — 
An update that has been probably the hardest to write & wrap my mind around. Keatons MRI from Monday did not give us some of the results we had been praying for. It has been an extremely hard & emotional roller coaster. 
But Gods not done yet & neither is Keaton. Our Radiologist came in yesterday afternoon with a Hail Mary & a plan to attack the tumor / / This afternoon he had another MRI, to check on the EVD & fluid buildup. They will do another one tomorrow morning to determine if the EVT can be removed or what the next step looks like. We also have an 11 with Dr Perkins to start the process for radiation treatment. 
Each day we have Is another blessing. No day is ever guaranteed. Life is too precious and short. 
We continue to pray for healjng and peace with Keaton. We ask for special prayers especially for Jae as we continue to navigate the unknown going forward. We pray that the tumor reacts to the radiation the way that Dr Perkins envisions. 
We are thankful for the nurses & medical team here at STL Children’s / while we miss our friends at MU - we know deep down we’re exactly where we need to be in the moment. 
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” amen. 

7.2.2025

This upcoming week will be a lot of rest, hydration & just mentally preparing for what’s to come for Keaton. 
Tomorrow will be a long day, as he is scheduled for tests for his hearing, liver & kidney functions. We were originally set to start his Induction & Admission tomorrow but it was pushed back until the following Monday, June 30th. 
There are a lot of “unknowns” surrounding the simple facts. But he’s choosing to push on & fight - - so we’re going to rally & fight with him. 
Cancer is not something any one person wants to deal with let alone a child - who doesn’t act or look like he’s fighting life with a rare 1% Tumor { peep his ongoing smile with Rex }. 
Rex will no longer be able to travel & stay at the hospital during the daily cycles of chemo + the stem cell transplant | Lil Sis is on “doggy duty”. This will be a huge adjustment for all of us, as Jae & Keaton have never been separated for more than a week, so asking for a few extra prayers for sis as she learns to navigate this path too. 
I will post Keaton’s room number & the address at the hospital for those who want to send him cards directly there as his admission will range from 30+ days until he’s stable and well enough to come home. It really depends on how He is doing regarding how long his stay will be at STL. 
We have put together a small Amazon list of things he could use during his stay, as he will be in a separate area due to the stem cell transplant (Think ICU on steroids!). He will be limited visitors, but will have his new iPad for those who want to reach out & talk to him. 
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts - the last 8 months have been a dirt path full of potholes, mud slides, new gravel, and what felt like an earthquake last week - but Keaton is walking it with his head held high & the heart of a true Warrior. 
His favorite Bible verse has became our anthem, Romans 12:1 - in which It talks about God giving His Strongests Warriors the Toughest Battles. ⚔️ 

6. 22. 2025

A very special thank you to Shari Bell and the Kesler family who helped gather goodie baskets for Rex & Keaton {and a special gift bag for sister too!!} and cards from wonderful people in our community. Keaton & Rex went through the cards - so many of them were puppy themed and we all got a good laugh trying to see how many of them looked like Rex!!! 
💙🩶💙🩶💙🩶💙
Keaton did not make counts Tuesday, so they pushed off chemotherapy earlier this week as originally planned. This morning the boys went to HRMG and did labs in Hannibal. When we got the “all clear” we traveled down to STL. 
Keaton has been admitted & waiting for the next 3 bags of chemo to start over the next 6 hours today. Today I specifically ask for prayers for healing. Last round really took a hard hit on Keaton - making him feel pretty sick for a while. - we will have follow up appointments next week to discuss MRIs & Stem Cell Transplant Schedule. 
“Heavenly Father, I come to you in prayer, knowing that you are the LORD who heals (Exodus 15:26). I ask that you take away sickness, infirmity, and pain from Keaton and restore him to health (Psalm 103:2-3)." 
#stronglikekeaton 
#keatonandrex
#healingheeler
#braincancerawareness

6. 6. 2025

The last day of school looked a little different than any of us could have even began to imagine. This morning we left sis to get on the bus the last time as a 3rd grader and we headed back to St Louis Children’s hospital for another hospital admission and 3 new types of chemotherapy. 
Today’s agenda - 3 chemos over the next 6 hours. It’s going to be long day but their goal is to hit it hard and hopefully send him home tomorrow afternoon or Thursday !!! 
🩶💙🩶💙🩶
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness

5. 20. 2025

Another round said and done. 6 hours of steady chemo made for an extremely long day for everyone. Keaton was able to come home Wednesday morning and has spent the last few days resting in bed with Rex. 
To watch this tough kid get hit so hard …. Isn’t easy. But he continues to fight and push on. So that’s what mommas gunna do too. 
He has some pretty rough days ahead in June. A lot of uncertainty comes with those - a lot of mixed feelings of “are we doing the right thing?” A lot of hard feelings and big emotions surrounding this next month ahead. 
Tentatively scheduled he will go back for a second 6 hours (3 different types of chemo) in a single day round on June 3. A lot of tests to come on the 10th leading into a hospital stay for more chemo combined with the start of his stem cell transplant. June is always a chaos of running nonstop. & I just have to pace myself looking ahead. 
God wants us to look ahead and not get stuck in the past. In the Bible, Philippians 3:13-14 says, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us". Proverbs 4:25-27 also says, "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil". 
So that’s what we’re doing. Putting one foot in front of the other. Trusting in Gods timing, presence & knowing there’s a journey along this dirt path we’re on. Keaton & Rex now continue to share his story & how he’s changing lives every day — even when he’s never met half of the people who’s praying & rallying behind him!!! May Is Not only National Mental Health Awareness Month but also #BrainCancerAwareness Month. And we’re doing our part in sharing #StrongLikeKeaton story + The Heeling Heeler Rex - 
🩶🧠💙🧠🩶
#healingheeler
#FIGHTLIKEATIGER
#keatonandrex

5. 23. 2025

The last day of school looked a little different than any of us could have even began to imagine. This morning we left sis to get on the bus the last time as a 3rd grader and we headed back to St Louis Children’s hospital for another hospital admission and 3 new types of chemotherapy. 
Today’s agenda - 3 chemos over the next 6 hours. It’s going to be long day but their goal is to hit it hard and hopefully send him home tomorrow afternoon or Thursday !!! 
🩶💙🩶💙🩶
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness

5. 20. 2025

🩶💙🖤💙🩶
Today is the last day of Jr High for these 2 because tomorrow Keaton starts his first day of Stem Cell Retraction at St Louis Children’s Hospital. 
Over the next 3 days he will be going through the process to collect his own stem cells that they will “freeze” and store for the next few weeks until he’s gone through the next phase —- 2 More additional “1” Day Rounds of Chemo with 14 days of recovery in between the first cycle & second. NEXT, Tuesday, May 20th we will be re-admitted to STL Childrens to start that first cycle. 
Today was bitter sweet as I dropped Keaton & Rex off at the Jr High Door. He’s grown so much and battled what most adults couldn’t bare with a smile & sassy attitude. He’s took on one of the hardest challenges anyone could face & keeps saying “Let’s get this done” as if he was just unloading a trailer of hay. 
His determination to make the most of every day keeps my momma heart going — even when he’s picking on me constantly. Sunday It was “are you sure you know how to use my rake” … 
For God gave me this Child … because He knew I needed him. But as someone reminded me the other day — Keaton is touching peoples lives he’s never even met. And I know God has this purpose for him to achieve a path we don’t fully understand.  
Today I ask for a few simple prayers for Keaton, that his counts continue to have healthy numbers - that the next few days don’t take a toll on him & he can still attend his classmates 8th Grade Graduation on Thursday night & that he keeps wearing a smile showing off the light that shines inside him. 
#stronglikekeaton
#healingheeler
#FIGHTLIKEATIGER
#braincancerawareness

5. 13. 2025

Today’s been a good day! God is Good! Our prayers are being answered!!!
  
Yesterday we traveled to STL Children’s Hospital - where Keaton met his new Neuro-oncologist. We are waiting for a couple of more calls to come through before we have a solid plan on action going forward the next week. But tentatively Keaton will start the Blood Stem Cell process next Wednesday through Friday. Followed by being admitted Tuesday, May 20th for a new type of chemotherapy to help kick this Tumor in the arse!!!
  
Rex has also been in the process of getting his certification for Keaton as a Professional Service Dog. Today he was visited by Lana of Yellow Pals Dog Training where she helped us out with a Service Vest & some extra pointers for taking Rex with Keaton as we transition from MU to STL.
#stronglikekeaton
#healingheeler

5. 7. 2025

This morning there’s a lot of things on my mind. But the simple fact is, Keaton’s home. He wore a smile and still managed to make a “fun” trip to PICU with some of his favorite nurses. Getting him out of there was sort of a chore { after he was already de-accessed & discharged!!! His nurses went to rounds with arm wresting!!! } i am forever grateful for the wonderful group of gals we’ve had on MU Peds Floor 🩺
His oncologist Dr Severance stopped by Wednesday and couldn’t believe that post brain surgery he was up - walking & hanging out. That on Monday he’d helped us in the fields. He’s continued to blow several of our doctors and teams minds. 
He went from being a 1 in a Million Case to about a 1 in a 100 Million Case in the span of what seems like seconds. 
Dr Quincy (Neurosurgeon) was able to get a good chunk of the tumor for biopsy - and we’re currently waiting for those results to better understand what’s going on. Until then we will not have a concrete “plan of action” for a few more days. 
He’s supposed to take it easy, but do what makes his heart happy. We thought Keaton was on the downhill slope & nearly done 16 days ago. But for whatever reason, that’s not the case. He still has a long journey ahead. 
Thank you for the prayers, the messages & being here for Him. 
🩶💙
#StrongLikeKeaton 
#FIGHTLIKEATIGER
#braincancerawareness

5. 2. 2025

💙 🧠 🩶 Brain Biopsy Surgery # 2 🩶🧠 💙
🧠 1:45pm - Keaton’s in his PICU room he’s sassing his nurse, hes ate lunch & just chilling out - he will have another MRI in the next 16-24 Hrs to Monitor & make sure no internal bleeding or anything weird that comes with post op brain surgery stuff { this Is a normal thing!} — 
Keaton has his phone - so feel free to send messages 🫶🏼 - we did get some unexpected updates regarding the tumor.. we will have a meeting with the Oncology Team after the “Brain Board of Directors” have time to consult — so as of today i don’t have the answers to many of the questions —- 
Prayers are welcome! God knows, God sees, God has more power in Healing & this is just another part of Keatons Story — 
🚨 10:15am - Keaton Is out of surgery & in recovery - Surgery went smoothly per Dr Quincey - she was able to get a good biopsy on the growth … we have not been allowed back there with him yet. 
Please continue to pray as we navigate the next steps moving forward - 
🔔 7:06am - I will try to update this post throughout the day with news as it comes. He was in good spirits this morning FaceTiming with Jaelyn & Rex { His Red Heeler Puppy } as she got ready for school. They have taken him down to the surgery floor - the biopsy surgery will begin at 8:00am. 
Their goal is to retrieve some of the tumor for biopsy, some of the fluid surrounding it, as well as check on the health of the ventricles and brain tissue - where the mass has grown. This will give us a better Idea of what “comes next”.  
He asked if he could keep his Cross Bracelet on & the team gave him a Head Nod “yes”. So He’s taking God right there into the OR room with him.  
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” 
         - Isaiah 41:10
💙🩶💙🩶💙
#StrongLikeKeaton #fightlikeatiger

4. 30. 2025

💙🩶
You don’t know your own strength until you test it. And continue to test it. Daily…
A few weeks ago Keaton had another MRI following his last round of chemotherapy - and while his tumor markers continue to show “no cancer”. That MRI didn’t give us as positive results as we’d hoped for. Instead it’s leading us down a different path. One I know that God already saw & Is preparing Us for.
Today we met with our Neurosurgeon Dr Quincey, who performed his first surgery & retrieved the original biospy. She gave us some insight and the next steps. 
Next week he will undergo a sedated MRI, followed by a biopsy of the tumor to determine which route we go down. - as of right now the plans for radiation has been pushed back until we know more from the MRI & Biopsy. 
We are thankful every day that Keaton has battled All this like the warrior he is. A true survivor & fighter. In the last few weeks, getting to sass his teachers during class, walking the halls with friends, even getting in a few baseball practices with his teammates, like a “normal 14 year old”. 
While I don’t know the feature, I do know that this is only one hill not a whole mountain to cross. 
 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 
💙🩶💙🩶💙🩶💙
#StrongLikeKeaton 
#braincancerawareness
#fightlikeatiger

4.24.2025

And just like that round 6 of 6 is DONE!! 
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Chemotherapy is officially DONE!!! We was able to sneak out last night by 10:00pm he was so happy that Jenny cut him loose. 
There’s alot of emotions this morning sitting in the sunshine. Taking in so many thoughts. 
Prayers work. Miracles Happen. God is Here & within us - we can do anything hard with the help of Him. 
When we was admitted Thursday for Day 1 - i will be honest. I was scared all over again. I kept thinking. We’d got this far. No extra ER or Hospital Visits. Besides being extremely run down at times Keaton handled Chemo like every thing else he does. With a strong willed attitude of “let’s get it done”. 
We got some of the very best news that day - His tumor markers show that he’s 💙 Cancer FREE 🩶 - and chemotherapy would conclude after this final round. However we were given some hard news, but he’s tough. Tougher than me at times. 
He will have several weeks of radiation to follow. Things we know today,
He is Home. He’s tired but “okay”. His smile is strong just like him. 
🩶 He will have an MRI Scan on 04.10.2025 
🩶 We will then meet with our team of doctors, on 04.16.2025 
🩶 When radiation starts it will be roughly 4-6 weeks, 5 Days a week - more than likely in St Louis - 
While this journey is one we wouldn’t wish on anyone, it’s the path we are walking on. We continue to know that there is POWER IN PRAYER! And we couldn’t have walked this pothole road without any of you being by our side. 
💙🩶💙🩶💙🩶💙
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness
#powerinprayer
#FIGHTLIKEATIGER

3.25.2025

🩶 💙 🧠 💙 🩶
The long hard unknown road of cancer & chemotherapy…. The many “what ifs” and “unknown factors” - the “I have questions - but I don’t have any answers” … 
It’s hard. There’s moments I just look at him, and KNOW God is working on him, even when it’s hard. It’s leaning fully into our faith - on God himself & trusting in His decisions leading our oncology, neurology & pathology team. 
Yesterdays labs did not make count for todays round 6 to start. - and while this is discouraging at some points. We expected it after knowing what his lab counts looked like last Thursday and this past Monday. 
Outside of being a little more tired than normal, he’s been enjoying this much needed warm sunshine, as much as i have (despite his “i don’t want my photo taken” . . . We’re all looking for the “end” date. But I don’t know when that will be. All I can do is trust in the process and keep doing what we’re doing. 
🩶 Round 6 will start Thursday, March 20th 🩶
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness

3.13.2025

🩶💙
We’re all just ready to get back to “normal” at this point. The last few weeks, we’ve been just enjoying the warmer weather & mentally trying to keep Keaton in good spirits leading into his next round of chemo - which is scheduled to start, next Thursday March 13th. 
This is Round 6. The round we’ve all been waiting for. But with it comes a lot of “unknown” things between now and when we start to finish that 5 days of chemo leading into another MRI scan to see the end results of the last 16 weeks. 
16+ weeks. 4 months. In November I remember Keaton saying mom “March isn’t that far away” - - and it’s not. It went faster than any of us could have imagined. 
It’s here. 
He’s made It! Without any extra hospital visits. Without any sickness hitting him. We made it. We made it with the help of our friends & family. Our communities praying and cheering Keaton on from the sidelines. 
This week I pray specifically that his counts stay where we need them to be so that we can finish this round & he can finally be *Done*. I pray and KNOW GODS healing him from the inside out. And I continue to ask for prayers for which on the next MRI that this tumor is no longer there. 
So that come June, he can climb back into the tractor & do what he loves. Rake Hay. Be on the farm like normal. And play baseball this summer with his friends. 
💙🩶🧠🩶💙
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness
#fightlikeatiger
🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶

3.5.2025

There’s a lot of emotion for this momma going into round 5 today. Last week we pushed off starting chemo due to the slushy frozen ice on our roads - - this week negative temps. But like the true champ he is, Keaton’s like let’s go & get this over with. 
💙🩶🧠🩶💙
Our whole lives were pivoted & changed on Wednesday October 30, 2024. And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone - - but it truly has “woke me & Jason” up to what truly matters on our farm. 
Our family. Our kids. Our passion for our “specialty niche”. ENJOYIN what we do because it’s reflecting every day on our children. Each time a doctor asks Keaton what he wants to do when he’s done with chemo …. Is the same answer. 
“I just want to be able to Rake Hay & be on the farm”. 
🩶💙🩶💙🩶
Round 5 of 6 is nearly complete … then another MRI in March will help to determine what the next actions will be. The Tumor is half its original size & we continue to Know Gods Healing him just in time to start Hay Season in a couple months. 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” — Isaiah 41:10
💙🩶🧠🩶💙
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness 
#cancersucks 
#strongereveryday 
#farmkids

2.20.2025

They say that “no news is GOOD news” … and not too much has been happening since Keaton’s last round of chemo; besides a lot of resting & getting his sass back!!! Several of the doctors on our Oncology team remind us each time we are there; boring is good. Boring is what we want. Boring is meaning that stuff’s working the way it should & you’re not having side effects or any other issues! Boring is what we want to be - even if bored is a struggle for both of us …. Being cooped up is hard on both momma and Keaton. 
Last week he went for labs and another MRI. It is continuing to shrink which is answering the prayers we’ve been asking for - we will get the official MRI results from the team later this week. 
He has another round of labs this morning that will help better determine if his ANC levels are at a level where they feel comfortable starting with around 5 of Chemo on Thursday … this round is not nearly as harsh as Rounds 2 & 4 had been. He will be admitted for 3 days for the 3 days of chemotherapy.  
Keeping his mental health in good spirits has been our top priority the last few weeks. One of his buddies sent him some funny socks which are the highlight right now! And comical joke with the nurses 😉 thankful for the warmer weather we’d been having & the fact he’s been able to enjoy some fresh air & the ability to be outside has helped us all the last week. 
🫶🏼 
We know that while cancer is NOT what God intended for us. He is continuing to lead us down this path & provide for us. I know that this is only a small part of Keaton’s journey in sharing his story. We truly appreciate each and every one of you continuing to pray for our wingman! Hay Season isn’t too far away and he’s got big goals for us this summer. 
- until later this week! 
#stronglikekeaton #braincancerawareness #fightlikeatiger #cancersucks

2.10.2025 

Cancer. Sucks. Chemo. Sucks. 
There were so many emotions with this round. 🥊 Round 4 came after Keaton with everything it had…. 
I have sat down to write numerous times throughout the last week. And each time I find myself deleting it. Because if we “backspace” and delete just maybe - maybe we can ignore it. Ignore the facts. Ignore the feelings. Ignore the trauma of being at the hospital. 
I think for the first time since we found out Keaton’s diagnosis- it became “real”. 
He couldn’t just laugh & sass the chemo off with his nurses. He didn’t have the energy to roam the halls, let alone leave his room several of the days we were admitted this round.. We sat in quiet silence, and it was when he asked me to hold him. My momma heart “knew”. We finally had cracked. 
Round 4 brought Keaton & I closer than we have in years. We talked. I held him. Rubbed his back trying to give him what strength I could. But in those 5 days of chemo. It all became very real for us. 
Keaton has cancer. 
Keaton is going through chemo. 
Keaton is battling so hard & now that we’re back home, is finally starting to eat and smile again. 
This round made me realize how precious life can be. To take in the good days & lean into those that surround you to help keep you going. That asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness - 
Today is the first day I’ve seen a small glimpse of “Keaton” in almost a week. He was joking about how me letting cows out today when I go to chore. This is MY Keaton and I refuse to let Cancer take him. 
I know that God has a plan & a path. I have every Faith in Him we will get through this - and Keaton will once again be raking hay, visiting the principals office to harass Sam & complaining about not being paid enough. But until then, we’ll just keep battling this thing one day at a time. 
- a very tired momma
🧠1.29.25 - Round 4 completed 1.27.25 - they will do an MRI sometime before round 5 begins tentatively 2.13.2025
📞 If you have Keaton’s number and would like to text him, I’m sure he’d love a little bit of company. As he will be pretty limited on where he goes as his numbers continue to take longer to recover. 
#BrainCancerAwareness
#StrongLikeKeaton
#cancersucks

1. 29. 2025

Start of Round 4, Day 1 of 5

Today I was apprehensive of how things would go.
Would his numbers be high enough to start - would we get another week off and more waiting when all he wants to do is push through these chemo treatments and return to “normal” life again.
We’ve had numerous chats the last few days trying to prepare for this round. It’s harsher. It’s longer. It takes more out of him. It’s 5 days of chemotherapy (2 different types, daily) - and usually we stay for 6 days of MU Life.
He continues to find laughter, joking & sassing his nurses and the people closest to him. Last night he sat down and helped Jae work on her math assignments - spending extra time explaining it when she didn’t fully understand. I’m constantly reminded of how strong he is, how much “older” he’s always seemed and it continues to prove that with every day since we’ve found out he had a brain tumor.
Most adults can’t process or understand what he’s went through - there’s times I certain don’t. But he reminds me daily. It’s only a short period. We can all do hard shit for a while.
He’s resilient. He’s strong. He’s fighting this thing with a smile. And for that today I am thankful. As we sit through his first bag of chemo, a toddler who’s battled & won the fight, rang the bell . It instantly brought me to tears - Keatons words he’d mentioned earlier this week to me, “don’t worry mom. March isn’t that far away” — when he will finish these 6 rounds of chemotherapy - “just in time for hay season”.
I am thankful for so many things.
I am thankful for our friends & family - our community - my online followers - to every one of you, who have continued to pray for us.

#StrongLikeKeaton
#braincancerawareness
#FightLikeaTiger

1. 23. 2025

An update. That sort of stinks. But part of it. His counts didn’t hit high enough today. So we are in fact not being admitted today. And coming home. We will try again next week on Thursday, with hopes he’ll hit the levels needed for them to start Chemo. This will push all chemo going forward a week backwards. 
💙 🧠 🩶 Round 4 🩶 🧠 💙
{ 1.16.2025 }
I keep thinking & reminding myself. He’s halfway through chemo. It’s half the size it was when we started. We can all do the hard things for a short time. But I know it’s starting to wear on him - just as it is me. 
Being cooped up during winter days are hard enough but when you’re a farm kid who’s used to being Jason’s right hand wingman - to playing sports & being active at school. I think it’s starting to take a toll on everyone. 
Keaton continues to carry a smile & make jokes. Laughing with each nurse & doctor he meets along this path. Yesterday he had his very first eye doctor appointment. - I remember the doctor saying “I read his chart, he’s got to be the healthiest patient I’ve met going into this”. Yes. Yes he is. - 
While his eyes are good & he doesn’t need glasses [something he was afraid they’d tell him]. He is suffering from some nerve damage behind the eyes that we’re hopeful that will go away after time. It was caused due to the pressure & tumor inside the brain. Thankfully his vision was not effected. And hasn’t been with the ongoing chemo so far. 
Today we head back to Columbia again, as Keaton will start round 4 of chemo. This is the 5 days straight of chemo (which is the significantly harsher of the 2 different cycles). We will more than likely be admitted 6-7 days. Then right before we do Round 5 he will have another MRI of His brain & spinal cord to monitor the progress.  
We continue to pray for Gods Healing Touch. Making it known our faith is bigger than this. God is the greater healer & through Him our team will know how to handle the situation. 
We truly appreciate each and every one of you - from checking in texts & cards - the gifts & donations { this week we used some funds to order a few things to take to the hospital with us; a new roping dummy, some card games, a new ps5 game, and a new minky blanket}. And all my coffee treats - because let’s be honest …. I’m running on caffeine & chaos most days. 
A so sit and pray for this round. I am once again reminded of how this started. And how such a short period of time. Exactly 78 days seems so far away ago / I am thankful I listened to my “inner mom” dialogue that day. Not pushing it off as I do something’s with “it’s not broken or bleeding - you’re fine” mentality. That he truly wasn’t himself. And something wasn’t right. Never doubt yourself. If something feels off. Check it out. Insist something isn’t normal. You have to advocate for yourself & your children…. 
“Father God, in this moment of overwhelming thoughts and emotions, I turn to you. You are my refuge and strength. Please grant me peace and clarity
in the midst of chaos. Help me cast my burdens upon you, knowing you care for me.” Amen. 
#braincancerawareness
#stronglikekeaton
#cancersucks

1. 16. 2025

Today was extra special 🫶🏼 
Keaton was interviewed on the KRCG 13 news that aired at 6pm tonight ( watch it here 👇🏼 
https://krcgtv.com/watch... ) around the 4:45 marker. 
Special thanks to the whole Lauf Equipment Company, Inc. but also our Massey Ferguson team - - it’s crazy to think how things have changed, over the last 2 months - but I am so grateful for each and everyone of y’all who have helps us along the path of healing . 
#StrongLikeKeaton
#MFBornToFarm
#braincancerawareness
Chronicles of Kayla Wieczorek

1. 2. 2025

Round 3 is nearly completed and with a joyful heart. 
♥️ 
When we were admitted on Thursday, as originally planned, at clinic we were given the MRI scans of his brain and spinal cord he had the previous Friday. 
Glory to God and the Prayer Warriors that have been hard at work the last 2 1/2 months.. And I am forever thankful in so many ways - that it is hard to even begin to describe. 
💙🩶💙🩶💙🩶💙
We were given some great news!!! The original scans he had prior to Surgery & Chemo showed the tumor being the size of a grapefruit. After 2 rounds of chemo it has SHRANK nearly half in size and roughly is the size of a large strawberry { give or take }. We will continue the path the Lord has given our Doctors & Team. They will have another set of scans done in between rounds 4 & 5. There will be 6 rounds total before they make more decisions based on the last scans after round 6 has be completed in March. 
Every day I hear him give me sass or harass me about something- I find myself thinking “is this real” - “this has just got to be a bad nightmare & I’ll wake up”. There’s moments when I am so grateful that he’s handling things so well. He’s laughing. He’s joking. He misses school, checking cows, working in the shop & delivering hay with Jason. But as we continue to remind ourselves - we can always do hard things for a short period of time. 1 year and we pray that this is another just story for him to share along the way of life. 
👣 👣 
When doctors ask what his 2025 Goals were yesterday, he rambled off “I just want to go back to work & Rake Hay come Summer”. I’m so proud of him because I truly think if he wasn’t handling this situation as well as he is. I know my momma heart would be cracking even more than it already does. As we finish Day 3 of Round 3 this morning, he’s just extremely run down and exhausted - and ready to be back home in his own bed again. { I know I am ready for us to be back in our new somewhat normal routine again }. 
"Lord my God, I called to You for help, and You healed me" - Psalm 30:2: 
🩶🧠💙🧠🩶
Round 4 will begin Jan 18, 2025 & will be the harder of the 2 cycles. It’s the 5 days of chemo. We continue to pray he stays healthy & keeps his smile until the next round. 
#stronglikekeaton
#braincancerawareness
#GodsPath

12. 28. 2024

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas Eve — thankful that we get to Enjoy Christmas at home! 
After labs last week, and again yesterday that were looking so good, our oncology team decided to go ahead and start round 3 as originally planned on Thursday instead of pushing it off til next week. 
He had a Brain & Spinal MRI on Friday - but we have yet to hear results from it. 
Besides losing his hair & some weight, we are thankful he’s remained feeling like himself after 2 rounds of chemo. We continue to pray that the tumor is shrinking & will not be there on each set of scans. 
It’s the season to truly remember the “reason”. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future. 
We are forever grateful and thankful for each and every one of you following along with Keaton’s journey. 
We will be admitted Thursday, Dec 26th at MU Children’s Hospital and stay for 3 (to 4 days). This is the shorter of the 2 cycles - 
Merry Christmas 🎄 
#StrongLikeKeaton 
#braincancerawareness
💙🩶💙🩶💙🩶💙

12. 24. 2024

✅ Round 2. Complete. And we’re back home! 
I’m not sure who kicked who’s butt the most. Watching Keaton battle this round was tough but he’s tougher. 
His auntie came on Friday & trimmed up his hair (something he can be in control of right now as it’s quickly falling out). 
Much to his annoyance, I won for getting to decorate his IV pole, we continently named “Bob” for Christmas. 🎄 all the nurses and doctors thought it was awesome & added a lot of cheer to the floor. He even used his new Bluetooth radio to share Christmas songs as we made rounds and rounds of steps on the 7th floor. 
I am thankful we’re home. He’s sleeping a lot right now, but still loves to get texts, calls & FaceTime! We’re limiting the visitors just because of the harshness of this round of chemo taking a toll on his immune system. 
Round 3 will start 12.30.24 & we’ll spend NYE celebrating at MU 🎉 
We appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, messages, cards - it truly means the world to us to know the love & support we have. 
🫶🏼
-kw
PS if you’re still wanting to order a “Fight Like A Tiger” 🐅 🩶💙 shirt, you can order them ⬇️ 
https://www.farmmerchbin.com/.../strong-like-keaton.../390
#StrongLikeKeaton 
#braincancerawareness
#fightlikeatiger

12. 11. 2024

Round 2 of Chemo started today. 
This Mommas thoughts are all over the place. When we left home this morning, we weren’t even sure if we’d be staying to get admitted. We were prepared for another rough number situation; after Monday’s Labs were down { which is expected & we have talked about - that is typical in the chemo path. Labs go up & down as the Body Heals itself }. 
💙🩶💙🩶💙
There’s so much “known” but also “unknown” contributors to how we move forward each day. But the sun is shining & even though it’s cold - we are thankful for many things.  
Praise God 🤍 His numbers were high enough & we were able to continue our treatment as planned. We have started on Day 1 of 5 (Cycle 2 is 5 daily doses of chemotherapy). He will be a resident at the “Hospital Hotel” until at least Monday. 
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength"    
      - Philippians 4:12-13
Our community { online and rurally } are helping to support our Wingman by wearing their Fight Like a Tiger shirts today! If you have yours on, & feel like sharing post your photos in the comments 🫶🏼
💙🧠🩶🙌🏼💙🧠🩶🙌🏼💙
#stronglikekeaton 
#braincancerawareness

12. 5. 2024

For ever thankful for our community support !! Today Jae had a dentist appointment - - as you might know, Dr Poppa had to come and remove Keaton’s braces after only having them on for a couple days - due to the MRI scans when we first got to children’s hospital. 

Needless to say, some of these amazing ladies I’ve known my entire life - I teared up. Between the holidays hitting and seeing the whole dentist office decked out in his #stronglikekeaton shirt…. Emotions are higher it seems this week as we prepare for our second cycle of chemo later this week. 

If you have a #StrongLikeKeaton shirt, I’m asking you to flood the community come Thursday 💙🩶 (I know that RCE KIDDOS are wearing Blue & White Frosty ☃️ Colors for Their Holiday Spirit week!) 

12. 2. 2024

30 days. 
🩶💙🩶💙🩶
It’s only been 30 days. From thinking he had something as simple as migraines or heck just a bad “virus”. 30 days… from finding out it was indeed. Not a virus. Not even a mirgaine.
Instead hearing the words no parents want to hear, tumor. Let alone it be cancer. 
After never having a broken bone, stitches or even missing school for the last 3 years …. He’s managed to have 2 surgeries, stitches, a port placed, fluid drained off his brain, missing the last month of school, completing his first cycle of chemo & getting ready to start cycle 2 (this will be the 5 day cycle, with up to 7 days being admitted at MIZZOU Children’s) on Thursday, Dec 5th. 
For someone who’s always been able to “find the perfect words” or string a “few sentences together” for a post …. Words have escaped me. 
Last week our small town community rallied together & had a benefit for our family and I’ve been in a state of shock since. It seemed as if after that, it became extremely “real” for us. 
I can’t even begin to say thank you to each and every one who was a part of the Strong Like Keaton Benefit💙🧠💙, those who donated baskets, auction items, money, supplies, their time, the hugs & prayers. 
Being from a small town, where everyone “knows” everyone - - truly has inspired some of my favorite blogs I’ve written over the last decade. But now it’s taken and made even more of impact on our families lives. And it means so much to us. Because saying thank-you doesn’t really seem like enough compared to the love & support yall have shown us 🫶🏼
So — THANK YOU — from the bottom of our hearts; especially as we navigate the next few months, journey the path the Good Lord has set for us, learning a different way of life & prepare for the Holiday season while keeping Keaton happy & healthy as best as we can during chemo & treatments. 

11. 30. 2024

Keaton had to make a special trip out this morning to get the Massey Ferguson 5S.145 Keys from Lauf Equipment Company, Inc. that showed up at school today. 

He insisted on taking it for a little test drive around the school parking lot to make sure it was “in top shape” for who ever gets the “winning” ticket 🎟️ come January!!! 

Tickets will be available at the Strong Like Keaton Benefit💙🧠💙 tomorrow evening and continue to be available for purchase until 12.31.24. 

You can find all information regarding the ticket sales or tractor information on the flyer, or reach out to Zack at Lauf Equipment for direct 5s.145 questions. 

#StrongLikeKeaton #braincancerawareness #MFBornToFarm

11. 22. 2024

While Keatons not going to be climbing into a tractor seat any time soon, we are heading into the toughest job Gods asked of him so far. 
Today we will start His first round/cylce of Chemotherapy. This is a 3 day cycle and considered the “easier” of the 2 different treatments that rotate every 2 weeks.
We will be admitted, and staying again at MU Children’s Hospital in Columbia for the next 3-5 days depending on how he’s handling the chemo treatment. 
Today the community and school district are helping to support his cause, in walking this path - we’re flooding this side of Missouri with 
💙MT BLUE & GRAY for Brain Cancer Awareness 🩶
If you felt lead to pray for him to stay sassy & strong, a little pray for his sister who’s his biggest cheerleader but also struggling to see him not be his complete self, for the doctors, nurses & our whole team at MU - - we sure appreciate all the support, love but mostly the Prayers 🫶🏼
"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37.
🩶🧠💙🙌🏼🩶🧠💙
#StrongLikeKeaton #braincancerawareness #FIGHTLIKEATIGER

11. 14. 2024

There will be a Chili Dinner & Auction, held at the Mark Twain High School November 23rd from 4-7pm. 
For more information please visit https://facebook.com/events/s/wieczorek-chili-supper/1288217928974255/ or to donate please contact 
Emily Perry, Brittany Ludwig, or Samantha Krankka
#StrongLikeKeaton #braincancerawareness

11. 8. 2024

A Quick Update from Keatons Chemo Team.
🧠 Brain Cancer doesn’t have “stages” like other cancers do. - in Pediatric Patients it’s really just that “cancer cells” that we all have flipped the on switch instead of just continuing to grow as a normal teenage kiddo might. It’s one of those things they here turn on or stay dormant. And no one understands “why”. It’s not my job to question Gods path but to just continue to keep Faith for th journey we are on. We go on Monday to learn about everything but this is the general outline. 
🙌🏼 The Cancer is ISOLATED to the 1 spot currently and therefore the Brain Cancer cells can not spread to other areas EXCEPT for the Brain or through the Spinal Cord (WHICH WAS 100% clear!) so praise God!!!
🧬 He will have 6 Cycles (Rounds of 2 Different Treaments) — each round will be admitted and staying at MIZZOU Children’s PEDS floor 7 (rooms will change each trip) - he will have 2 weeks “off” to rest, hydrate, etc in between each cycle.
       🩶 Cycles 1, 3, 5 will be 3 Days of Chemo
       💙 Cycles 2, 4, 6 will be 5 Days of Chemo
His first cycle will start Thursday, November 14 & will be there 4 days more than likely.
The most important thing is He’s STRONG! And he’s still in good spirits and ready to kick this thing in the rear!!!!
Thank you for the continued prayers & support!
#StrongLikeKeaton

11. 8. 2024

He was proud of America for getting their “shit” together and putting Trump back in. 🇺🇸 
Today he went back to get his Port Placed. This is scheduled to be outpatient so that we can return home and fully rest from his surgery last Friday. 
Treatment Plans are still being worked on & we won’t know more til later today or tomorrow. 
Thank you to everyone who’s helped us over the last 7 days. It truly has blown my mind. 
This weekend I will finalize the CaringBridge page so that all the links are available. 
#stronglikekeaton #braincancerawareness 
🩶 Shirt Fundraiser - https://www.southlakedesigns.shop/.../stronglikekeaton... or https://www.farmmerchbin.com/.../strong-like-keaton.../390 
💙MealTrain - https://mealtrain.com/wml01w
🩶 Wieczorek Benefit Dinner, 11.23.24 contact, Emily Perry, Brittany Ludwig or Nicole Birkhead 
💙 HNB in Perry for direct donations, Jill Palmer or Sam Krankka

11. 6. 2024

We broke out briefly from the hospital last night, and the first thing he wanted to do was visit school, see some friends and of course harass his “Krankka”. 

11.5.24 Update (as we left the Hospital last night). 
  • we will go back tomorrow morning, to have surgery to place in his Port. 
  • chemotherapy will then start either tomorrow or next Tuesday depending on a few things (I will not know until after we’re there tomorrow with the port placement. )

We do not know of how many treatments or how long. We’re still waiting for some of the path labs. But we DO KNOW, this is Keaton’s journey. Main goals this week are to keep Keaton in good spirits & healthy! 

11. 5. 2024

This page will become the center of #StrongLikeKeaton - 
We’re not sure of Keaton’s path yet only that God continues to lead us through the parted waters & that there is a purpose behind all of this. 
There will be several updates through this page as we navigate the next steps ahead. 
The continued prayers, messages, meals & donations have completely blown us away. But I know there’s Power in Prayer and it takes a Village to raise & take care of any child!
I am beyond thankful & blessed by the outpouring of love. 

11. 4. 2024