Kelly True (née Lawless) is the best type of person.  For those of us who have gotten to call her family, a friend, a sister, a daughter, mother…we are truly blessed.  Kelly emanates love in every facet of her life.  After she married my best friend, Blake True, it didn’t take long to figure out why he fell in love with her.  Kelly’s energy and passion for life is unmatched.  She is exuberant for even the smallest things; it’s so refreshing.  Whether it’s harvesting a crisp cucumber from her garden or graduating from college, she radiates a joy that makes everyone around her happier.  

Kelly brings that same energy and passion to her family and friends.  Her dedicated love and support for Blake is what I appreciate most about her.  Together, they chase their dreams wholeheartedly.  Their dream to become parents became a reality when they had Henry nearly 5 years ago.  Not long after, Henry became a big brother to Sera, who will be 3 years old this month.  They are a couple of the sweetest and smartest kids I’ve ever met.  Kelly and Blake are extremely loving and dedicated parents, and are determined in providing a wholesome, nurturing home for their young family.

Lately, life has delivered some unfathomable challenges to Kelly and her family.  Last fall, Blake unexpectedly lost his little brother, John Kyler.  And not even two months ago, Kelly’s father suddenly became ill and passed away.  Now, Kelly faces a battle against Stage IV Breast Cancer.  The severe diagnosis has been a heartbreaking shock for all of us.  Stage IV indicates that the cancer has spread to other organs, and surgical removal risks spreading it more.  The breast cancer has spread to bones in her spine and ribs, as well as her liver.

The devastating battle is underway; Kelly has begun chemotherapy treatment, and will soon begin radiation treatment.  She is a fighter – strong willed and determined to beat this while continuing to be a loving mother and wife.  Kelly and Blake are finding hope in the possibilities of emerging cancer treatments, and discussing options with Oncologists.  She is scheduled to travel to Houston soon to meet with specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

As most people know, chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments are extremely difficult.  Kelly is not going to be able to work, or always have the strength to help with the children.  Blake is a great husband and father, but their already busy lives have been compounded with this burden.  Family and friends are doing everything we can to help.  Blake will miss more and more work to be with Kelly during her treatments, or to just be with her when she needs her husband.  There’s not much anyone can do to make this process less painful, but I hope we can all come together to help relieve Kelly and Blake of the looming financial strain that is inevitable. 

I am initiating this fundraiser on behalf of the True Family, and everyone who loves them.  At this point, we have little understanding of what to expect.  The details as to what insurance will pay for, what the hospitals can provide, or how much any potentially lifesaving treatments might cost.  But, we do know that it’s going to be a tremendous financial stress to keep up with additional childcare, travel costs, medicines, and missing work.  I have faith that we can come together to reduce that stress on them so Kelly can focus on her recovery, and cherish every precious moment with her two beautiful children.  We will be updating everyone as we learn more about the battle plan, and on the status of Kelly’s recovery.  Please pray for Kelly and her family.  From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate your support.  God Bless.