Help My Bestie Kelly Heal from Breast Cancer & Focus on Recovery
Hi friends,
I’m writing on behalf of someone who holds a very special place in my heart — my sweet, long time, beautiful friend Kelly Martin. She’s one of my best friends, the kind you can count on through every season of life. She has been a source of laughter, wisdom, and unconditional support for years, and now she’s facing one of the toughest challenges of her life.
In August, Kelly was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer — just one day after starting a new job. She’s now preparing for a double mastectomy on *October 1st*, followed by reconstructive surgery on *November 10th* (the day after her 53rd birthday), and likely a third surgery. Decisions are still pending on whether chemotherapy or radiation will also be needed.
Her work is physically demanding — long shifts on her feet with heavy lifting — and it’s uncertain when, or if, she’ll be able to return to that kind of job during recovery.
That’s why I created this fundraiser — to give Kelly the time, space, and stability she needs to heal without the added stress of financial strain. Our goal is to provide six months of breathing room so she can fully focus on her health and recovery.
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Why Kelly Inspires Me
Kelly’s life is a testament to courage and resilience.
After losing her job in California during the pandemic, she made the brave decision to relocate her children to South Carolina to be near family and start fresh. She's a single mama who works so hard at everything to make sure her children are cared for and loved. Since her relocation from CA, Kelly has:
* Earned her CNA license and provided loving, hands-on patient care
* Become a licensed Life & Health Insurance agent
* Built a thriving home care and private chef business "Girl Friday"
* Taught fashion and costume design at the Charleston County School of the Arts
* Completed nursing prerequisites, with plans to begin her ADN program in January 2026!
*Got her 2 beautiful Children off to college.
Kelly is driven, creative, compassionate, and determined — the type of person who pours herself into helping others. Now, it’s her turn to receive that same care and support. The road has been challenging and she deserves some time to take care of herself and be able to heal well!
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How Your Gift Will Help
We’re raising $20,000 to cover six months of essential living expenses, medical costs, and school-related needs while Kelly heals. This will give her the freedom to rest, recover, and prepare for the next chapter of her life without the pressure of “how to make ends meet” hanging over her.
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Who Kelly Is
Kelly is a:
*Caregiver* who goes above and beyond for her children, family, and friends, as well as her patients
*Private chef* who nourishes people with her healing food
*Teacher* who inspires creativity and confidence in her students
*Future nurse* who is determined to keep pursuing her dreams
She would never ask for help unless she truly needed it — and right now, she does.
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Ways You Can Help Kelly Right Now
*Donate* — every contribution matters
*Share* this campaign with your friends, family, and community
*Send love* — messages, prayers, and kind words mean more than you know
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my beautiful friend heal, stay housed, and focus fully on her recovery.
With love and gratitude,
Kristy ❤️
