Ken & Pam Keller
Fairview BIC Church (New Cumberland, Pa.)
On December 24, 2008, as most families prepared to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Ken and Pam Keller—the pastoral couple at Fairview BIC Church (New Cumberland, Pa.)—prayed for a miracle of another sort.
Just days earlier, during a routine self-examination, Pam found a lump in her breast and knew instinctively it required immediate medical attention. “Pam is a really strong person who takes good care of herself and gets her tests done,” says Ken. “But we never expected to be going for a biopsy on Christmas Eve.”
The news wasn’t good, but it could have been worse. The Stage II cancer had not yet metastasized to Pam’s other organs. An immediate mastectomy, and subsequent chemotherapy treatments, could significantly improve her chance of survival.
The other ‘not-so-bad’ news? Unlike millions of Pam’s fellow U.S. citizens, she had health insurance. “The timing of her discovery was a God thing,” says Ken. “Our new health plan through BIC was about to take effect January 1, 2009. And the plan’s comprehensive approach included coverage for pre-existing conditions.”
According to Ken, the family—including sons, Christopher and Joshua—had previously enrolled in a private health plan, and although somewhat less expensive than the BIC plan, it did not have the comprehensive coverage or the low deductibles they desired.
“Had Pam been diagnosed under our former plan, our out-of-pocket expenses would have been enormous,” says Ken. “We would still be paying off those bills.”
In the Keller’s case, the denominationally sponsored health insurance program allowed the family to focus on getting Pam healthy again, without the worry a health crisis of this magnitude could have on their financial stability. The plan also provides the security of knowing their premiums won’t face exorbitant rate increases every year.
Today, after a valiant, yearlong struggle, cancer-survivor Pam Keller is reaching out to other BIC women in similar situations. Surgery and five months of chemotherapy may have depleted her physical strength but not her determination to serve. For emotional and spiritual encouragement, contact Pam at pjwkeller@verizon.net.
Laurie Brown, of Dillsburg, Pa., enjoys sharing the good news through her many roles as wife, mother, friend, writer, and sister-in-Christ at NewCreation BIC Church (Dillsburg, Pa.). The New Jersey native enjoys gardening, music by Bruce Springsteen, and summers on Cape Cod.
