Hi friends and family,

I wanted to share a more detailed update following my most recent oncology visit.

Earlier this month, I underwent surgery to remove two small nodules from my right lung. These nodules had been present at diagnosis and had significantly decreased in size after chemotherapy, but they did not fully disappear on imaging. Because of that, the recommended next step was surgical removal to determine exactly what remained.

During surgery, both nodules were removed, one from the right middle lobe and one from the right lower lobe. Pathology showed that both lesions were mature teratoma. There was no active or viable cancer found. Teratoma is a type of tissue that does not respond to chemotherapy, does not raise tumor markers, and does not behave aggressively once fully removed. All surgical margins were clear.

Today, I reviewed these results with my oncologist, along with my treatment course, imaging, and bloodwork. I asked whether I should still consider myself in remission. He said he would not use that term. Instead, he said he would use the word “cured.”

That word reflects the full picture. Chemotherapy eliminated the active cancer, surgery removed the remaining non responsive tissue, and there is no evidence of disease at this time.

From here, the plan is surveillance, including routine scans and bloodwork. This is standard and precautionary. I am continuing to recover from surgery and from chemotherapy, with some lingering side effects that are expected and gradually improving.

This cancer journey was challenging in ways I did not fully anticipate, but it also made clear how fortunate we are to be surrounded by people who show up with empathy and love. I am deeply grateful for every message, conversation, meal, and gesture of support along the way. Lauren and I truly could not have gotten through this past year without you.

One more thing I wanted to share

Before anything else, I want to acknowledge how generous so many of you have already been. Over the past year, you showed up for our family in countless ways, from DoorDash gift cards and home cooked meals to thoughtful packages, check ins, and practical help. Because of you, Lauren and I were able to focus fully on Brinley and my health when it mattered most. We are incredibly grateful.

Over this same period, I have also been spending time on something meaningful outside of our immediate family needs, and I wanted to share that with you.

I have been working with the Magical Bridge Foundation to help bring an inclusive playground to Healdsburg. Magical Bridge designs and builds playgrounds that are intentionally inclusive, created for children with physical, sensory, cognitive, and developmental disabilities while still being engaging and fun for every child. The goal is to create community spaces where everyone belongs. Several Magical Bridge playgrounds already exist in the Bay Area, including in Redwood City, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and Morgan Hill.  If you have a moment, please check out the following video: https://youtu.be/KB_Ejau5bfw?si=8e32th_VEdLuL8yT

As you know, Brinley was born in late 2024 with a rare neurological condition, SOX2, that affects her vision, hearing, and development. Many traditional playgrounds are difficult or unsafe for her to navigate without close support, not because she does not want to play, but because those spaces were not designed with kids like her in mind.

Over the past year, I have been involved in helping bring this playground to life in Healdsburg by supporting a community petition, speaking at a City Council meeting, canvassing local businesses and distributing flyers and postcards, and having many conversations about why inclusive spaces matter. I am happy to share that the project has now been officially approved by the Healdsburg City Council and will replace the existing playground at Badger Park.

At this stage, community fundraising helps move the project from approval to reality. Through my employer, PG&E will match any donations dollar for dollar, up to five thousand dollars, which helps extend the impact of any support.

There is absolutely no expectation to give. Many of you have already given so much. I wanted to share what I have been working on and why it matters to our family. If you are in a position to support the project, or even to share it with others, I would be very grateful.

If you would like to learn more, here is the fundraiser link:
https://app.groundswell.io/fundraiser/cml9qfju3012t01s6eg4ry9tc

Thank you again for everything you have done for our family and for taking the time to read this. 

Keith

Enjoy this gem!