Helpin Kel Kick Cancer’s @$$

Hi friends and family, my name is Holli, and I am amongst the many who love our girl, Kelley. I’ve known her for quite a while thanks to Courtney, and our common love for Neonates & Pediatrics—when Kelley finally joined the CU family (sorry to her friends up north).

As most know, Kelley has had quite the journey since September 2022 when her pain began. She began visiting the Emergency Room repeatedly and even being admitted a time or 2 in November, to which she was told pancreatitis and chronic pain—fluids, antibiotics, pain relief (sometimes), even questioned about her mattress. She was finally taken more seriously around the 5th or 6th time—more extensive labs, imaging, and some more testing was done, and she was told a CA 19-9 (tumor maker) >60,000 (<37 normal range) could be a false positive. Needless to say the diagnosis obstacles were more than a few.

Officially diagnosed in January 2023 with Stage 4 Adenocarinoma of the Pancreas with metastasis to the liver—the tumor was in the pancreas with spread to the liver, making it stage 4. While there is no cure, there is treatment. WOW! Who saw that coming? Kelley began chemotherapy right away and has continued for 2 years.

The first type of chemo worked well for a while—26 treatments! Our girl persisted beyond that 8 month prognosis because, well… that’s her! Then her markers started climbing, and her imaging confirmed it was time for a change.

New chemo regimen—this one has done its job, but not as well as the previous with a few extra side effects. But the marker showed progression a few months ago, so time for something new.

Radiation—this wasn’t an option in the beginning due the vascularity of the tumor (basically more risk when it came to targeting the tumor and the blood vessels involved), but it was time to reconsider. 10 rounds of rad followed by a month of THE waiting.

Unforunately, on March 17, 2025, Kelley’s MRI told what we dreaded hearing— progression; growth and new areas of metastasis in the liver. Devastation. The harsh reality of cancer. The sh!t truth of this awful disease. Tears. Empathy. Why her? Why me?

But as Kelley has endured this entire battle with grace and dignity, she takes on the nexts steps with her warrior mentality— a Mayo Clinic referral for a Clinical Trial.

Insult to injury: insurance will NOT provide coverage, and this with be “out-of-network referral out-of-pocket” expense…

So here’s where YOU can help! Expenses WILL add so much more quickly with the huge hurdle. This amazing warrior woman has asked for nothing but encouragement and friendship. But we CAN HELP!

Anything is appreciated!

Thank you for supporting our girl, and please keep praying for her strong body and healing mind.