Nathan Krenik
Nate's Story
Nate lives in Hudson, WI with his wife Sarah, children Alexander (17), Quentin (5), Freja (1), and Minerva (Golden Retriever, 7). Nate is many things — an effortlessly graceful skier, a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and someone who meets life's challenges with equal parts grit, curiosity, and humor.
His journey took an unexpected turn on January 31st, when a day on ski patrol at Afton revealed something wasn't quite right. The skier known for “skiing pretty” suddenly couldn't control his right leg, setting off a chain of events that would change everything.
The Diagnosis
A visit to TRIA intending to secure some PT sessions instead resulted in a neurological examination, followed by a referral to Regions Hospital ER. Nate was advocated for and was able to get an MRI. Then everything shifted. The MRI revealed a brain mass, which was referred to as “Carl.” The name was inspired by Nate's choice of audiobook, the Dungeon Crawler Carl book series, while he waited hours in the ER.
In the ensuing period, Nate underwent a slew of scans and biopsies and also received a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. It was a lot, all at once, but Nate met each moment with the same steady presence that defines him. Pathology confirmed the tumor was high grade Glioblastoma.
Strength & Hope
Since then, Nate has been navigating a complex medical landscape with remarkable strength. He's working closely with his neurosurgery and oncology teams at Regions, while also being evaluated by Mayo Clinic for potential clinical trials in oncology and radiation — an opportunity he embraces both for his own treatment and for the possibility of contributing to future research.
Through it all, Nate continues to find moments of calm and even wonder. He's reached a point where an MRI feels almost meditative, and during his awake craniotomy surgery he became one of only five patients who asked to see their own brain in action — a moment he describes as both incredible and a little freaky.
Recovery from surgery has brought its own challenges. Nate currently has very little motor control in his right arm, though sensation remains, and he's already working hard in rehab to regain function. He's walking, climbing stairs, and pushing himself with the determination of someone who fully intends to be his care team's star patient.
“While the full picture of his diagnosis will become clearer in the coming weeks, Nate remains grounded, optimistic, and deeply grateful — for excellent medical care, for the possibilities ahead, and for the support surrounding him. His journey is just beginning, and he's meeting it one wild moment at a time, using his strength to step into moments of serenity when he can, and embrace the joy he sees all around him. Life is beautiful, time is precious — Nate will never waste another minute of it.”
How You Can Help
Nate's fight is just beginning, and the support of the community means everything. Here's how you can make a difference:
Nate's story is still being written. Your support helps write the next chapter.