Bethany Keller Medical Fund

Dear family and friends, 

 

Many of you have been walking this journey with us for quite some time so this is not new news. For others who don't know, it is now, unfortunately, Bethany's turn to undergo major heart surgery. Last year Bethany's father, Bob, died of a rare genetic heart condition and she and her two siblings all tested positive for the same defect. Fortunately, they also learned that there was a procedure to correct this defect. Last year, Ryan had heart surgery at Stanford Medical and earlier this year Jared had his surgery in London. Now Bethany's on deck. 

 

On November 7th, nearly a year to the day that Ryan had his surgery, Bethany will undergo open heart surgery to replace a segment of her aortic root that tests have shown is dangerously enlarged. As recently as this summer, the plan was for Bethany to wait to have the surgery, but a recent echocardiogram showed enough growth that doctors decided it could no longer wait. 

 

Her surgery will be performed by the same surgeon who performed Jared's surgery earlier this year, so the family have confidence in the surgical team and support staff, but are understandably nervous and unsettled. 

 

With little time to process this emotional news, Bethany and her husband Keith must quickly make plans for time off work, prepare for visiting family and stock their flat with the types of immediate and necessary items that will help Bethany recover over the next three months. 

 

Please continue keeping Bethany and the rest of her family in your thoughts and prayers and, if you feel able, consider donating to help them through what lies ahead.

 

Bethany and Keith will be able to receive the funds directly as the sole beneficiaries. Any support will be going toward these key needs:

 

• Provide financial support for her mother Leslie and daughter Aria who will travel from the States to help Bethany and Keith during this time.

• Hotel rooms near the hospital since Bethany and Keith live on the other side of London from the hospital (over an hour away via public trans) 

• Supplement Keith's decreased wages while he takes unpaid time off to care for Bethany. 

• Pay for easy meals during recovery.

• Help with travel expenses during recovery since Bethany will not be able to take public transport to checkups and physical therapy (and, like many Londoners, she and Keith do not own a car).

 

It's been a difficult year, but I know Bethany, Keith, Aria and the rest of the family are extremely grateful for your kindness, support and words of encouragement. 

 

Love, 

Her family and friends