According to friends, and nearly everybody in the extended community of Ocean City, MD–Charles Keenan is a stand-up individual, with a knack for the performing arts. The Berlin native, and Stephen Decatur graduate attended Elon University to study theater–where he fully caught the acting bug, and followed it to the West Coast and the acting hub of Hollywood. Keenan returned home for a spell, working as a barback at Fager's Island.
Certainly there’s a lot more to Charles Keenan than just where he went to school, what he enjoys doing, or where he works—but those elements should combine as the normal day-to-day for any twenty-something.
This is who Charles Keenan is—a local man with a passion for theater, (and golf), dreams and ambitions, a job at a local hotspot, an all around wonderful attitude toward life, and tons of friends and family who love him—by any measure, a successful and meaningful life. Just a short time ago, Charles Keenan also became a man who has cancer.
Keenan found a lump in his neck and went to the doctor simply to figure out what it was. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was the official diagnosis. Now, Keenan needs life-saving cancer treatments, and he has no health insurance. This is the time that community, and the extended group of family, friends, and unknown individuals who simply want to help, can truly save a life.
Friend and former roommate Christian Phillips indicated the type of “friend” Keenan is to those around him,
“He would do anything for his friends—that’s just who he is.”
Keenan’s friends now have the opportunity to rally around him. Monday the 7th, the Official Charles Jeff Keenan Relief Fund is holding the first of what they hope to be many fundraisers to offset the cost of treatment—The Charles Jeff Keenan Golf Tournament at the Ocean City Golf and Yacht Club. The $400 per foursome entry fee includes food, soft drinks, and beer. An after party open to the public will be held at Fager’s Island, with entertainment provided by DJ Wax. The party also features a live and silent auction with items ranging from golf accessories to autographed NFL memorabilia. Tickets (purchased at the door) are just $25 per person, which includes unlimited food and beer.
The support of the community is vital, but also is having the right perspective. As Christian Phillips reflected, Kennan has always had the right attitude,
“He’s just so positive. I mean, he has cancer and he’s so positive—it's hard to imagine.”
Charles Keenan is positive, poised, and ready for his battle with cancer. Attend the golf tournament, join the after party, or consider making a donation—every dollar contributed will truly help save a life.
Find additional information on the event page.
Donations can be made to the following address:
The Charles Keenan Relief Fund, 10109 Pebble Ct., Ocean City, MD 21842
