It is bittersweet to be writing this request.  Sweet because if you know Kelly, you know that there is no one more deserving of support.  Bitter because if you know Kelly, you know that she spends her life helping and supporting others and is not accustomed to accepting that help in return.  Bitter also because every ounce of her is strong and full of fight and spirit, and right now every ounce of her strength is being tested by cancer. In September of this year (2014) Kelly had a softball size lump removed from the upper part of her chest.  Instead of having the luxury of recovering from the invasive surgery, she quickly learned that she had bone cancer- de differential chondro sarcoma- and that it was aggressive.  As of December she has endured two chemotherapy treatments, both of which require week long hospital stays.  She has been away from her work since September- where she has spent the last 10 years of every school day working with the students who need the extra support regular ed teachers can't give.  When we were coworkers Kelly taught me more about reaching out to students and meeting their needs than any inservice, college class, or hands on training I have ever received.  As a friend Kelly has taught me to fight.  And laugh.  Through her divorce and raising twins on her own Kelly has shown me the bright side of dark humor.  When I asked her what we could do to help she simply requested that we keep her laughing.  As her friend we know she needs more.  After asking for permission to set up an account she simply responded, "I'm too sick to say no.  Thank you."  Please consider donating to help cover medical costs, living expenses, and maybe a movie night or two when she is feeling better. It is incredible what financial support can do when everything else in life is a struggle.  We can help her breathe a little easier.  

Thank you,
Kelly's family, friends, and colleges (which are all one in the same)