The Kreienbrink Family’s Story
In honor of his wife, Holly, Shane Kreienbrink generously shares the story of how the BFOA provides support for his family after Holly was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Holly Kreienbrink began her broadcast career in 2012, working as a business manager at WOGK of Saga Communications in Florida. At the age of 46 years old, in September of 2020, Holly was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and unknown breast cancer out there. Holly fought for 10 months, undergoing a double mastectomy and radiation, until going into remission. She lived her life to the fullest, and never once imagined that it would come back.
That was until November 7, 2022, when she was diagnosed with the same triple negative breast cancer, now Stage 4. This meant it had infected her whole upper chest, leaving masses in her lungs, muscles, upper lymph nodes, and even some in the remaining breast tissue she had from her previous procedure. After battling a second fight with this disease, sadly, Holly passed away in August 2024.
With three daughters and a young son to care for on only his salary, Shane reached out to the BFOA for support. The family was quickly approved for a financial grant. Below, in his own words, Shane shares how the monthly assistance helps his family navigate their new life without Holly.
“I wake up each day with a grateful heart. We are so blessed and humbled by the goodness of total strangers who have decided to selflessly give to our family through this monthly grant.
It’s hard to describe in words all the changes that have occurred in our day-to-day lives from the loss of Holly. This grant has helped relieve some of that financial stress, allowing our children to continue their education, receive medical and mental healthcare, prepare for another set of braces, and pursue their individual goals and dreams! Seeing Holly’s fight with cancer has inspired all three of our daughters to pursue medical degrees and all are currently in nursing school. Our 13-year-old son was able to try a new sport and he’s having a growth spurt as we speak. We all know what that means in grocery bills these days! One of my favorite blessings the grant provided was the opportunity to take some family time together and honor Holly during the one-year anniversary of her passing. The memories we continue to cherish, and the ones we now make, are priceless.
Our continued faith during our grieving journey is what gives us hope. To be blessed by strangers is to ‘Be a Holly’. May we all ‘Be a Holly’.”
Stories like Shane and Holly’s are the driving force behind our mission. The BFOA is often the only financial lifeline for our broadcasting colleagues. Your continued support makes a direct impact.
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To get help or give back, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org.