Help for the Kettenburg Family

Hi, my name is Kristine Schankowitz and I am looking for donations, support, or prayers for my brother-in-law Todd's Family during this heartbreaking time. Todd has a beautiful soul and such a warm personality. This is a devastating story and I want to thank you for all your support to our family during this difficult time.

Todd met Tara in 1994. They met at their job at Walmart where Todd was a mechanic and Tara was a floor associate. Tara had a son Stephen from a previous relationship who Todd loved as his own. They welcomed their first daughter Cierra in May of 1998. They got married on July 14, 2001. On October 16, 2002, they welcomed their 2nd child together Dakota. Dakota was born with a heart condition. It was a challenging time for Todd and Tara often spending weeks or months in the Ronald Mcdonald house away from Cierra and Stephen. They wanted to be close to Dakota while he was recovering from countless surgeries and procedures to save his life. Tragically Dakota passed away on January 22, 2005, at the young age of 2. The pain of losing their son was overwhelming. Together day by day they found strength in the pain to get through the storm. In November 2007 they welcomed their 3rd and 4th children Identical twins Jayce and Zachary.

In 2019 Todd was diagnosed with lung cancer. In November he had surgery removing sections of his lung. To combat the other cancer cells he had rounds of chemo finishing his last treatment on Valentine's Day of 2020. He fought with incredible strength and grace. His 6 months scans came up clear and continued to be.

With the positive news, he was receiving he was starting to get back to the things he loved the most. He loved to go camping, grilling, fishing, hunting but most of all sharing these activities with his family. On October 7, 2021, Todd, his twin boys, and brother-in-law John headed up to their favorite salmon fishing spot in Pulaski, NY. This was the boy's first-time salmon fishing with their daddy. Unfortunately, instead of a weekend filled with laughter and good times the trip turned tragic. Todd suddenly fell ill with horrendous headaches, fatigue, and confusion. He needed emergency care. He was admitted to the hospital where his wife could do nothing but sit by his side and wait for answers. On October 22 the doctor escorted Tara into a private room and gave her the news that forever changed her life. Tara, the strongest woman I know was given the news her beloved husband has end-stage terminal brain cancer. He is left with extremely limited time. Todd is the most giving and genuine man I know and we would like to give him peace of mind that his family will be ok after his passing. Donations will be used for medical, final wishes, the boy's everyday needs, and possibly a special fishing trip to honor their dad's memory.

I will continue to give updates on his condition. The cancer in which he was diagnosed with is a rare one called Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.

https://www.jessejohnsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Todd-Kettenburg