In 2020, Keli was living life to the fullest – teaching her dream job to elementary English learners, serving on the women’s ministry team at church, leading Bible studies, being the best pastor’s wife she could be, loving on and babysitting her grandchildren, and playing tennis several times a week with her husband.

During a tennis game, she went for a hit and fell face forward on the court. After an MRI on her hip, a suspicious area of possible metastatic breast cancer was found. A biopsy confirmed her worst fear.

“After several months of treatment, someone at the oncology office suggested Maple Tree Cancer Alliance. I reached out to them and they got me set up with a trainer who worked with me on things I was beginning to lose: balance, strength, and memory.”

At her lowest point, her Maple Tree journey started.

“The fact that this resource was completely free was an incredible gift. I went from a decent teacher’s salary to over half my income on disability. Joining the Maple Tree family, which didn’t add to the plethora of medical bills, was an incredible blessing.”

Health insurance does not cover a program like Maple Tree, even through experts have determined that every cancer patient should have access to an exercise program. But because we offer our program at no cost, patients like Keli are quicker to join us and discover the life-changing effects.

We cannot offer this free of charge without friends generously supporting Maple Tree. With your gift, you not only assure it remains free, but also participate in every session, cheering on each patient, and serving a role as important as our trainers.