the Kelly kid's fund
Donation protected
My brother Kip was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer late in September of 2016. This news was especially hard to bear, as his wife had only recently received news of remission after her fight with breast cancer and a double mastectomy. The war with cancer was to start all over again, with barely time for recovery from the previous battles.
My name is Lita Kelly Kitson, and I am creating this Go Fund Me page on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law for their family. Neither Kip nor his wife are naturally inclined to ask for help, giving credence to a life of giving rather than taking. Although family, friends and coworkers have been amazing in assisting, Kip's illness has already presented challenges for the family and will have long reaching consequences as the kids strive to continue their education. It is my wish that Kip know his children will have the opportunities they deserve as they grow into young adults. I know that someday, these kids will pay it forward.
Please note, all proceeds raised through this campaign will be used only for the direct benefit and needs of the family of Kip Kelly.
Kip is a Desert Storm veteran, serving on the ground during the U.S./Allied response to liberate Kuwait from Iraq. While stationed in Schwabach Germany, he met Heike Rotter. As a teenager, Heike spent time in California working as a nanny, and their common love of children and animals made them a natural match. Kip returned to the states after a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia, and they were married at the Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, IL. Their first son, Daniel, was born while they pursued degrees in Social Work. During this time they housed rescue animals and were foster parents to several children; when they moved to Arizona, they found opportunity to help a young Navajo boy named Lionel. I will never forget the unique challenges he faced living on the reservation and how much Kip and Heike's opening their home and family life meant to him.
Fast forward several years, and Kip and Heike became parents to Christopher and Tigist. By this time, there were quite a few dogs and cats as well! A few years later youngest son Ryan arrived. The words of my niece Tigist sum up the spirit of the family:
"I was adopted from Ethiopia at a very young age. I don't remember a lot from that time, but what I do remember is my dad picking me up from the airport. I remember screaming my head off not wanting to go with. I was scared and unaware of what was going on. I was unaware of what was going to be. Little did I know that I was going to be a part of a family; a family with three brothers and two parents. My dad turned out to be my best friend. He cheered me on during soccer games and coached me through many more challenges. My brothers and I all share a love for soccer thanks to our dad. Looking back at what I have faced in my life, I realize how grateful I am for my family. I'm grateful for the memories I have shared with them. I have an endless supply of love and gratitude for my family."
Kip's illness is a rare form of pancreatic cancer, and is at a very progressed stage and has spread to his liver. He has undergone massive systemic chemotherapy. Pulmonary embolisms developed, creating the need for daily injections to combat further medical complications. A trip to the Phoenix Cancer Treatment center has provided options for more chemotherapy treatments and palliative care, but of course at some expense and with no guarantees of longevity of quality of life. Kip is in constant pain and has been unable to work since his diagnosis.
Yet when I visited the family late in February, Kip was not focused on his own discomfort. He expressed compassion for the doctor who had to deliver the news to him, speaking of the tears in the man's eyes. He had a desire to visit his coworkers to thank them for the team work they exhibited while under his administration. He maintained hope that he might feel well enough to visit family in the Chicago area, especially since our Dad and brother are facing their own medical challenges. He talked of his extensive collection of music and what songs were his kids' favorites, along with concerts they had attended together; and he took pleasure in telling of his recent 'bargain priced' purchase of a used vehicle so that the kids could get to and from school and their part time jobs. His focus still remained on others, especially the needs of his family.
Currently, the three oldest kids have returned home from their studies in Tucson and Phoenix, due to financial constraints and in order to be near their Dad. They have secured part time jobs, from the local movie theater to fast food restaurants, in order to help fund their own education. Daniel is studying chemistry at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and is considering a career in biochemical research or pharmacology. Christopher and Tigist attend Coconino Community College; Tigist is a freshman working on general studies, and Christopher has nearly completed his associates degree and would like to continue study in either the fields of psychology or sociology at a 4 year university. Ryan is a senior at Flagstaff High School; after serving as captain of the soccer team, he is now running track and hopes to bring his time in the 800 under the 2:00 minute mark (brother Daniel says "the season is young!"). Ryan excels in math and is considering college options, perhaps in the IT field.
Please consider a donation in any amount. The goal is to help the kids fund their education; $60,000 could potentially pay tuition, fees, books and living expenses for one year each. This will allow them opportunity to be at home more at this time, and give the entire family relief from the stress of tuition bills and more focus on the immediate medical needs of Kip.
Please help us by sharing this campaign on your social media pages.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Our family extends heartfelt wishes for good health to you and all of your loved ones.
Lita Kelly Kitson (on behalf of)
Kip, Heike, Daniel, Chris, Tigist and Ryan Kelly
My name is Lita Kelly Kitson, and I am creating this Go Fund Me page on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law for their family. Neither Kip nor his wife are naturally inclined to ask for help, giving credence to a life of giving rather than taking. Although family, friends and coworkers have been amazing in assisting, Kip's illness has already presented challenges for the family and will have long reaching consequences as the kids strive to continue their education. It is my wish that Kip know his children will have the opportunities they deserve as they grow into young adults. I know that someday, these kids will pay it forward.
Please note, all proceeds raised through this campaign will be used only for the direct benefit and needs of the family of Kip Kelly.
Kip is a Desert Storm veteran, serving on the ground during the U.S./Allied response to liberate Kuwait from Iraq. While stationed in Schwabach Germany, he met Heike Rotter. As a teenager, Heike spent time in California working as a nanny, and their common love of children and animals made them a natural match. Kip returned to the states after a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia, and they were married at the Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, IL. Their first son, Daniel, was born while they pursued degrees in Social Work. During this time they housed rescue animals and were foster parents to several children; when they moved to Arizona, they found opportunity to help a young Navajo boy named Lionel. I will never forget the unique challenges he faced living on the reservation and how much Kip and Heike's opening their home and family life meant to him.
Fast forward several years, and Kip and Heike became parents to Christopher and Tigist. By this time, there were quite a few dogs and cats as well! A few years later youngest son Ryan arrived. The words of my niece Tigist sum up the spirit of the family:
"I was adopted from Ethiopia at a very young age. I don't remember a lot from that time, but what I do remember is my dad picking me up from the airport. I remember screaming my head off not wanting to go with. I was scared and unaware of what was going on. I was unaware of what was going to be. Little did I know that I was going to be a part of a family; a family with three brothers and two parents. My dad turned out to be my best friend. He cheered me on during soccer games and coached me through many more challenges. My brothers and I all share a love for soccer thanks to our dad. Looking back at what I have faced in my life, I realize how grateful I am for my family. I'm grateful for the memories I have shared with them. I have an endless supply of love and gratitude for my family."
Kip's illness is a rare form of pancreatic cancer, and is at a very progressed stage and has spread to his liver. He has undergone massive systemic chemotherapy. Pulmonary embolisms developed, creating the need for daily injections to combat further medical complications. A trip to the Phoenix Cancer Treatment center has provided options for more chemotherapy treatments and palliative care, but of course at some expense and with no guarantees of longevity of quality of life. Kip is in constant pain and has been unable to work since his diagnosis.
Yet when I visited the family late in February, Kip was not focused on his own discomfort. He expressed compassion for the doctor who had to deliver the news to him, speaking of the tears in the man's eyes. He had a desire to visit his coworkers to thank them for the team work they exhibited while under his administration. He maintained hope that he might feel well enough to visit family in the Chicago area, especially since our Dad and brother are facing their own medical challenges. He talked of his extensive collection of music and what songs were his kids' favorites, along with concerts they had attended together; and he took pleasure in telling of his recent 'bargain priced' purchase of a used vehicle so that the kids could get to and from school and their part time jobs. His focus still remained on others, especially the needs of his family.
Currently, the three oldest kids have returned home from their studies in Tucson and Phoenix, due to financial constraints and in order to be near their Dad. They have secured part time jobs, from the local movie theater to fast food restaurants, in order to help fund their own education. Daniel is studying chemistry at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and is considering a career in biochemical research or pharmacology. Christopher and Tigist attend Coconino Community College; Tigist is a freshman working on general studies, and Christopher has nearly completed his associates degree and would like to continue study in either the fields of psychology or sociology at a 4 year university. Ryan is a senior at Flagstaff High School; after serving as captain of the soccer team, he is now running track and hopes to bring his time in the 800 under the 2:00 minute mark (brother Daniel says "the season is young!"). Ryan excels in math and is considering college options, perhaps in the IT field.
Please consider a donation in any amount. The goal is to help the kids fund their education; $60,000 could potentially pay tuition, fees, books and living expenses for one year each. This will allow them opportunity to be at home more at this time, and give the entire family relief from the stress of tuition bills and more focus on the immediate medical needs of Kip.
Please help us by sharing this campaign on your social media pages.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Our family extends heartfelt wishes for good health to you and all of your loved ones.
Lita Kelly Kitson (on behalf of)
Kip, Heike, Daniel, Chris, Tigist and Ryan Kelly
Organizer and beneficiary
Lita Kelly Kitson
Organizer
Coal Valley, IL
Lita Kitson
Beneficiary
