Cheney mother pens Amazon bestseller

CHENEY – On October 23, Kathy Keppel-Colkitt released her book, Will They Hear Me Now?, which went to the number one spot on Amazon's bestseller list within hours according to the author.

This powerful work is more than just a story-it's a heartfelt guide to navigating medical advocacy, inspired by a deeply personal tragedy.

Keppel-Colkitt's daughter, Brandi Mae Keppel-Colkitt, was a healthy 26-year-old with a master's degree in social work when her life was upended by a cancer diagnosis. Initially told she had a 95% chance of recovery, her daughter tragically passed away just four months later. Her death raised serious questions about the quality of her medical care and the communication between patients and providers.

Keppel-Colkitt's book chronicles her daughter's journey and sheds light on the importance of having a medical advocate-someone who can navigate the healthcare system, demand accountability, and ensure a patient's voice is heard in critical moments.

The Inspiration Behind the Book

The book's title, Will They Hear Me Now?, comes from her daughter's poignant plea during a particularly trying moment in the hospital. Keppel-Colkitt recalled, "When Brandi was in critical care, she turned to me and asked, 'Do you think they will hear me, Mom?' I told her, 'That's a great title for the book you'll write when you get out of here.' But she didn't make it. That's why I wrote it, and the title stayed from day one."

A Mother's Mission

Throughout her daughter's illness, Keppel-Colkitt kept meticulous notes-handwritten appointments, conversations with doctors, and medical records. These notes later became the backbone of the book. "It's been fifteen years, and at that time, everything was on paper. When I went back to those notes, the memories flooded back," she said.

She describes her writing style as cinematic, aiming to make the book read "like a movie." The dialogue-heavy narrative brings her daughter's story to life, offering readers a visceral glimpse into the heartbreak and frustration of navigating a flawed medical system, according to Keppel-Colkitt.

Lessons in Advocacy

Her daughter's symptoms, initially dismissed as migraines, were repeatedly overlooked. Despite frequent emergency room visits-often every five days-doctors labeled her as "med-seeking." Kathy described the devastating cycle: "They'd give her a Toradol shot and send her home. Days later, we'd be back in the emergency room. This happened over and over again, with no real diagnostics or investigation."

According to her, it took a phone call to her insurance company to let the hospital know that her daughter isn't med-seeking.

She added, "You know it worked."

Eventually, even after a spinal tap and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, her doctors dismissed her severe pain, suggesting she be taken home. Kathy refused. "If you're not being heard, tell them you're not going home," she advises readers.

A Call to Action

Keppel-Colkitt's book not only honors her daughter's legacy but also empowers others to become effective advocates for themselves and their loved ones. It provides practical tools and resources to navigate the healthcare system and demand better care.

By sharing her daughter's story, she hopes to spark change in how patients are treated and inspire others to speak up. As she puts it, "This book is about making sure no one feels unheard when they need help the most."

Brandi Mae Keppel-Colkitt's story, though heartbreaking, serves as a reminder of the power of advocacy and the need for compassion in medicine. Her legacy lives on through her mother's words and the vital lessons they impart.