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Our Story
Through The Valley exists to help ease that burden—so patients and their families don’t have to make those kinds of decisions alone.
Through The Valley was founded by Ken Couch and his wife, Carol, following Ken’s own cancer diagnosis in early 2023. What began as a trip to the emergency department on December 29, 2022, for severe abdominal pain—initially believed to be a kidney stone—led to something far more serious. A diagnostic CT scan not only confirmed the kidney stone but also revealed a mass on his appendix.
In February 2023, Ken underwent an appendectomy, and pathology results confirmed goblet cell adenocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that affects approximately one in two million people. Further evaluation by a specialist at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta led to additional abdominal surgery to assess and contain the spread of the disease.
Ken’s experience with cancer sparked a deep desire to support others facing similar battles—especially those navigating the financial, emotional, and spiritual toll that comes with a diagnosis. As difficult as the medical fight can be, the cost of treatment can be just as overwhelming. Even with strong insurance coverage, expenses for care and medications can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. For some families, this creates an impossible choice between continuing treatment and maintaining financial stability.