As many of you know, Kelly has faced cancer twice before with incredible strength and resilience. Each time, she has shown us what courage truly looks like—meeting every challenge with determination, grace, and an unwavering spirit.
You have been there supporting her through every step of that long journey, lifting her up with your love, prayers, financial support, and encouragement when she needed it most.
Kelly built a life here on her own. She is fiercely loyal and deeply devoted.
She is the perfect blend of shy and sweet, with a wild, joyful side, and she never forgets those who have helped her.
Kelly sees the world with compassion. She is incredibly caring, often picking up on what goes unsaid. She values sincerity, dislikes gossip and superficiality, and leads with her heart.
Though she is emotional and sensitive, she is also one of the strongest, toughest people you could ever meet.
No matter how much life has tested her, she finds a way to rise again—stronger every time.
She has always been devoted to her work, which gave her not only financial security but also a deep sense of independence. She has been responsible, steady, and in control of her life—like all of us, she worked her entire life and planned carefully for her future, creating stability for the years ahead.
Now imagine facing cancer alone—battling this disease not just once, but multiple times—and losing everything you worked so hard to build.
Kelly had throat cancer in 2021, she had 7 weeks of chemo and underwent radiation every day for 7 weeks, a treatment that saved her life, but led to another cancer, incurable so far, also caused serious, lasting physical challenges.
She now struggles with basic functions many of us take for granted, like breathing normally and swallowing food, along with significant jaw bone loss., and consequently, serious dental problems.
On top of all of this, she is facing an overwhelming financial burden.
Right now, Kelly isn’t focused on the future she once planned for—she’s focused on getting through each day, continuing this fight, and working harder than ever just to keep going.
Kelly had only heard of GoFundMe once before—on the radio, when a young man raised $3,000 in a single day for beer.. When she first became ill, and was approached by a friend about a GoFundMe, she resisted the idea entirely.
She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone, especially her customers. After researching it, she came to understand that platforms like this have become a way for people to step in where traditional safety nets fall short—helping cover costs like cancer treatments, recovery from disasters, and other life-altering challenges.
Recently, after a PET scan revealed a rapid and significant increase in activity in her throat, Kelly received the difficult news that she needs another surgery. In fact, she is facing two procedures on the same day—one involving her voice box, and another to remove tumors along with the right side of her neck and also remove her thyroid.
The surgery was originally scheduled for April 22nd. However, the out-of-pocket costs are extremely high and must be paid in advance.
Determined to make it happen, Kelly even took on a second job. She was off yesterday from the restaurant, and worked 18 hours at her other job.
Despite her efforts, she was forced to cancel the surgery because she simply could not gather the necessary funds in time.
But as soon as she does, she will reeschedule it.
This surgery is not optional—it is urgent, and it needs to happen as soon as possible. Kelly is ready to face this battle, just as she has before. But she cannot do it alone.
We are raising funds to help cover the overwhelming out-of-pocket costs of this critical surgery. Any support—whether through a donation, sharing her story, or keeping her in your thoughts—will make a meaningful difference and help give Kelly the chance to move forward with the care she urgently needs.
For Kelly, who has lived such a disciplined, independent life, it is incredibly difficult—and even humbling—to ask for help.
There can be feelings of guilt or embarrassment, especially when her instinct has always been to carry everything on her own.
Even in the face of serious illness, that instinct never left her.
Sadly, just a few weeks ago, in the middle of everything she is facing, someone criticized and shamed her over her cancer fundraiser.
It was a deeply hurtful moment—one that no one, especially someone battling cancer, should ever have to endure.
But the truth remains: Kelly should not have to face this alone.
And she won't have to.
People choose to give every day, not out of obligation, but out of compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference. They give because they care, because they want to ease someone else’s burden, and because helping others reflects their values and humanity.
And in Kelly’s case, people give for another simple reason:
she is truly a remarkable person and we just love her and truly care.
If you are able, please consider supporting Kelly—whether through a donation, sharing her story, or simply keeping her in your thoughts. Every bit of support reminds her that she is not alone in this fight!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kelly Youssef
Beneficiary