The one where two cousins kick cancer’s butt and go on an epic snowmobile fundraising adventure.. But hang on, I need to back up a little bit. Back to… well longer than he’d like to admit, but specifically the summer of 2022. After a few months in the gym and cleaning up eating habits, Jeff was making great strides personally. But that put a glaring spotlight on some G.I. issues that couldnt be ignored any longer. I remember him being a little anxious but he said he just wanted to hurry up and figure out what it was. Having just turned 40, a colonoscopy later that month detected a 9 cm tumor and a preliminary diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer. Not anything anyone wants to hear. But what I have witnessed in the last year and a half year has been nothing short of amazing and inspiring. Countless appointments, hours waiting, chemo, radiation, losing his beloved Uncle Ryan to his own cancer battle, two surgeries, 8 weeks of an iliosyomy bag, the list of things this man has handled with grace and guts goes on and on. All the while NEVER missing a day of work (unless treatment involved or being held hostage in the hospital). He was even taking on EXTRA responsibilities during this time, his job taking him 90 minutes from home because it was what needed to be done. If he wasn’t out in a field in a floater truck applying product he was helping family on the farm. He was never not there to support & cheer on the kids or myself in whatever we had going on. Keeping a fleet of vehicles in working order could almost make a full time job with this crew, and he did it. He remained the go-to man for so many, even when I was sure he had run out of give to offer. He never did, never losing faith in the bigger picture, and frankly helping me find mine when I had my fair share of moments. While relatively smooth, I wouldn’t say it was easy by any means. I remember a particularly hard day, and I reminded him that he was being too tough and he should think about walking around with his shirt off and his chemo pump out because he acts too normal and the kids and I forget he is sick. Although I think he preferred it that way. His oncologist told him he wouldn’t be able to keep up with his fitness goals and build muscle during his treatment, Jeff proved that wrong! From taking out his own chemo pump every other Monday, to being the nurses favorite on the “butts and guts” floor because he was so positive and proactive about his own care. That is the way he has been through this whole process, positive and proactive. You have witnessed this firsthand if you have talked with him. This past October he got his “Congratulations Jeff” that he had been waiting for. Cancer free. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” Taking care of your health, mental and physical, is a responsibility and and a privilege not to be taken for granted. The kids and I are so proud of Jeff and all his accomplishments. And I know he’s just getting started… Now on to the fun part! Jeff has committed to the Snowball Cancer Challenge 2024. On February 8th, Jeff, his cousin Eric (ALSO a cancer survivor!) and a group of riders will attempt to snowmobile 500 miles in one day - The Valentine 500. Jeff knew he wanted to get involved the second he heard about this mission. It was hard for him to sit it out last year, so I knew nothing would stop him this year! The pledges he is asking for go to the Keller Family Community Foundation, which assists cancer patients with travel/fuel expenses for oncology related appointments. All donations will be tax exempt. He is so thankful he is able to participate and excited to help give back. Thank you for your consideration, His wife- Melaney