A Baylor Alumna’s Story of Faith and Healing Through Stage 4 Cancer

Kristina Keller, BBA ’93, MBA ’95, knows what it means to truly live in the moment. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer – which had already spread to her liver – Keller made a conscious decision. She would not dwell on the past or worry about the future. Instead, she would focus on today.   

Keller immediately began finding ways to live fully despite her diagnosis. She took special trips with her son, including a drive to Waco to watch the total eclipse of the sun, time at a dude ranch in Bandera, Texas, and a family trip to Hawaii, creating cherished memories and focusing on meaningful experiences together. 

“I learned to spend less on material things and more on experiences that create memories,” she said. “Life is too short not to fully embrace the moments we’re given.” 

Keller drew strength from her faith throughout her cancer journey. Keller became a Christian as a teenager, but pointed to her post college years as a time when her faith truly deepened. During her battle, she relied on Scripture, especially Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” – and leaned on humor to help her navigate each day.  

“Humor helped, too,” Keller said. “There’s a saying, ‘If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.’ Some days, I had to find laughter in the smallest things and remind myself to choose joy in all circumstances.” 

Being a single mom also motivated her during her battle with cancer.  

“When I was diagnosed, I had a 13-year-old son, and I was determined to see him grow up,” she said. “This motivation drove me to adopt a positive outlook, maintain hope and do everything possible to treat and beat cancer.” 

Keller approached treatment with diligence and curiosity. In addition to hormone therapy, she added an additional medication after receiving suggestions from friends and careful research.  

“I am confident that this combination is why, after four months of treatment, there was no evidence of disease in either my breasts or my liver,” she said. “I am very thankful for my three brave friends who all sent me the same website about a man who used an unconventional medicine to fight and cure his stage 4 cancer. If those three friends hadn’t shared it with me, I wouldn’t have paid attention. It is so important for others to research and make the choices that feel right for them.” 

Keller credits her Baylor education with shaping how she approaches challenges.  

“I believe my education equipped me to be a critical thinker, planner and problem-solver, all of which have been essential in both my personal and professional life, particularly during my cancer journey,” she said. “I sought to fully understand my diagnosis, conducting thorough research on both traditional and alternative treatments to develop a comprehensive plan for my healing. Like any effective plan, I prepared for various contingencies. I hoped for the best but also planned for the worst.” 

She also highlights the lifelong support and values she gained at Baylor. Her sorority sisters from Zeta Tau Alpha have remained a meaningful support system, helping her navigate both the highs and lows of life and cancer treatment. 

Keller emphasizes the importance of early detection – she believes monthly self-breast exams could have helped her discover her lump sooner. This lesson inspired the title of her book, “Touch Your Ta-Tas!: My Story of Faith, Hope, and Healing Through Stage 4 Breast Cancer,” which serves as a resource for others navigating their own health journeys. 

“My sincere prayer is that my story will help someone,” she said. “I want to encourage anyone facing similar challenges to start with prayer, be bold and brave, advocate for your own health and never lose hope.” 

Keller shares the guidance she has gained through her cancer journey, offering words of encouragement for anyone facing difficult seasons in life. 

“For anyone facing life’s storms, turn to the Lord,” she said. “Pray big, bold prayers and wait with expectation. He will walk with you every step of the way. Try to look beyond the dark clouds, as every storm eventually passes. The rain will subside, and the sun will shine again. You may even see a beautiful rainbow.”