CS Awareness Day Honors Dr. Elsa Keeler
Every February 6, the Chondrosarcoma Foundation initiates Chondrosarcoma Awareness Day to bring awareness to Chondrosarcoma and honor the legacy of Shayna Elise Kramer who passed away from this rare cancer in November 2019. This February 6, 2026, will be her 35th heavenly birthday. It was Shayna’s wish to educate the public about Chondrosarcoma and support patients and their families suffering from this rare disease.
Every year we pay tribute to CS Survivors and those who lost their battle with Chondrosarcoma. For the next six weeks leading up to February 6 we will share the life story and journey of a fellow Chondrosarcoma Warrior.
Our second tribute is Elsa Keeler. Elsa is a lifelong Minnesotan, born and raised along with six siblings on the shores of Lake Superior. Married for forty years, a mother of four and a grandmother. Elsa had a career in medicine for 27 years as a pediatrician. Additionally, she was an advocate for children with special health needs and developmental concerns.
In 2015, Elsa was diagnosed with Ollier disease, and it progressed into dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Through her difficult journey Elsa endured chemotherapy and an amputation of her leg.
Despite her long painful, difficult battle with Chondrosarcoma rather than being bitter, Elsa decided to appreciate her life. Her attitude and zest for life should be an inspiration to all of us. She embraced her life with a prosthetic leg and returned to her outdoor activities.
The first time I met Elsa was this past November in Florida by a hotel swimming pool. Without hesitation she pulled off her prosthetic leg, jumped in the pool and swam laps. With her “new” leg, she hikes mountains, cycles, swims, and kayaks, and each year goes canoeing in the Canadian wilderness with her husband.
