Mr. Keller was shocked in January when he was told that he had a year to live. He had not had previous health problems but learned that he had cancer after one abnormal blood test. Thankfully, UAB provided a solution through a bone marrow transplant. While Mr. Keller’s husband stayed home to take care of their son, Mr. Keller had to gain new perspectives to stay positive while he was sequestered in the hospital.

“This is one short point in time. Attitude is everything. It’s hard. It’s not easy. Being a man, I don’t like to ask for help. Accept the help. And learn Grubhub because the food gets old real fast.” 

How did he get through it? “Lots of prayer. Lots of self-reflection. No TV. No books. I decided this is the second part of my life; God has given me a second chance. I’m going to quit worrying and enjoy life. I’ve always been who someone else wanted me to be. Now, I’m going to be who I’m supposed to be...Prayer makes a huge difference. I felt like I wasn’t alone. I know prayer works.”

Mr. Keller would face more obstacles as he developed graft versus host and sepsis with a 105 degree fever. His oncologist said, “we don’t know what to do,” terrifying words from a medical expert. However, the power of prayer was evident as his fever eventually subsided. 

“I’m so grateful for Red Mountain Grace, particularly financially...We didn’t expect to come down with cancer. This has been a massive blessing. There’s a peace about this place [his RMG apartment].” 

“I want to help other people who may be going through this. It’s scary. They don’t tell you what to do.” Mr. Keller feels as though his faith has been revitalized. “I don’t view getting cancer as a bad thing. It’s up to me how to approach it. I can take it as a learning experience and have it make me a more compassionate person.” 

He feels for those suffering medically without insurance and wants to make a difference by empowering others going through cancer treatment. He’s excited to go back home to his ten cats and a house full of orchids, where he can be as persnickety as he pleases with their maintenance. 

One of the ways Red Mountain Grace is unique is that we have apartment adopters. Mr. Keller’s apartment adopters, the Schrocks, brought him a birthday cake and made him feel welcome in his new living space. If you’re interested in becoming an apartment adopter, visit https://www.redmountaingrace.com/apartment-adoption for more information.