Built Different

My name is Zach Keck, and I am the founder of the Built Different Foundation. I didn’t set out to start a nonprofit. I set out to live my life. But in December of 2025, everything changed. What began as routine bloodwork turned into a diagnosis I never saw coming — kidney cancer. I was healthy. I was active. I felt like I was doing all the “right things.” And yet, something serious was happening inside my body without me knowing it. That bloodwork saved my life. Because of early detection, incredible medical care, unwavering faith, and a community that carried my family through the hardest days of our lives, I stand here today cancer-free and moving forward. I was given a second chapter — and with that came a responsibility. The Built Different Foundation was created to turn personal experience into purpose. Our mission is simple but powerful: to raise awareness and funds for kidney cancer while promoting the life-saving importance of annual bloodwork and early detection. Too many people don’t realize how quietly kidney cancer can grow. Too many families learn too late. I don’t want my story to be rare — I want it to be repeatable. Early detection changes everything. Throughout my journey, I witnessed something else that changed me just as deeply — the strength of community. Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and complete strangers showed up in ways I’ll never forget. Meals were delivered. Prayers were lifted. Time was given. Love was poured out. It reminded me that when people come together with purpose, incredible things happen. This foundation exists because of that belief. Every dollar raised, every conversation started, every story shared is aimed at saving lives. Whether that means educating someone on the importance of routine labs, supporting awareness initiatives, or helping fund research and outreach, our goal is impact — real, measurable, life-saving impact. I promise you this: the Built Different Foundation will lead with transparency, integrity, and heart. This isn’t about awareness for awareness’ sake. It’s about action. It’s about making sure fewer families hear the words, “We wish we would’ve caught this sooner.” Thank you for being part of this mission. Thank you for believing in early detection. And thank you for helping us build something that truly matters. We are built different — together. With gratitude and purpose,

Zachary Keck Founder,
Built Different Foundation
#BuiltDifferentZK