Help Keisa Owen Seifert. Her fight is our fight #teamkeisa

With a heavy heart, we are setting up this GoFundMe fundraiser for Keisa Owen Seifert, daughter of Mick and Kathy Owen and wife of Shane Seifert.

Recently, Keisa received the devastating diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This is a terminal nervous system disease that weakens the muscles, impacts physical function, and sadly has no cure. While the average life expectancy is 2 to 5 years, we know that each person’s journey is unique, and Keisa is known for her resilience and strength.

This past year Keisa noticed some changes, however since Christmas, the disease has progressed rapidly. Since January, she has had numerous appointments, exams, MRIs, nerve and muscle tests, and bloodwork, all which have indicated the diagnosis of ALS. Due to the inability to reach a diagnosis here, Keisa was referred to Dr. Shubadra Priyadarshini at The University of Chicago. She is working, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, Keisa was informed after her first appointment February 24th she has an motor neurone disease and they felt almost certain it was ALS.

Keisa started medication to slow the progression of the disease; however, the disease has already started to affect her mobility, the strength in her right hand, and she is no longer able to work. She returned today on March 31, 2025 to receive the results of her final bloodwork and to have another round of muscle and nerve testing to assess the progression of the disease. The Dr. had previously planned a 3- month return appointment however, due to some of the results and the progression they saw, she wants Keisa to return in 2 weeks and meet with her Dr. and the ALS support care team.

Keisa has started the long and stressful process of filing for disability, but we all know the bills do not stop when we do. Keisa will have more appointments to attend, frequent trips to Chicago, and physical therapy to maintain her mobility for as long as possible.

Our family’s goal is to ensure that Keisa is as comfortable as possible during this challenging journey, allowing her to do all that she can and wants to do. We are seeking your support to alleviate the financial burden she is facing.

The following list is here and now, however, not limited to as her needs will increase:

*A wheelchair ramp.

*Bathroom modification to make it handicap accessible

*Medical bills

*Transportation/hotel cost for her countless appointments at The University of Chicago

*Medical equipment

*Daily living expenses

Those that know Keisa know that she has never been a materialistic person. She would much rather spend her time with family and friends. She has been there for so many of us, and now it is our turn to be there for her.

Keisa is staying as positive as she can and is determined to make the most of her time. She is one of quick wit, loyalty, and love and at just 48 years old, still has things on her bucket list she wants to experience as time allows. She has amazing friends and family who want to make sure to make memories with her. This fundraiser is just ONE way you can help; a benefit is also being organized by family and friends at the Minier Tap on June 21st. More details will be coming out soon on that.

A note from Keisa:

“My long-term goals for the moment are to live long enough that my 18-mo niece Lola remembers me and live to see the coward who murdered my cousin Levi get sent to prison. Hopefully, I'll easily reach those and set more goals.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Keisa. Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, means the world to us. Together, we can help Keisa focus on therapy and creating beautiful memories with her loved ones during this tough time.

Her fight is our fight #teamkeisa.

If you have any questions, please contact one of us Kris Tackett, Michelle Morrow or Ashley Gaither