Kelsey’s Courageous Crusade: A Mother’s Love

My name is Tamara, and I’m sharing the story of my friend that inspires me with her strength and perseverance for her family despite a devasting and terminal cancer diagnosis. I’m hoping you’ll join me in contributing to support her family.

 

When I met Kelsey in 2020, her smile and energy were infectious, and we became fast friends. She celebrated her 30th birthday in October of that year, and it seemed like all her dreams were finally coming true. Together with her husband Paul, they had built their forever home where they hoped to expand their family. Instead, it seems that they have received one emotional blow after another. Here is their story.

 

Kelsey and Paul married in 2015 and have two small boys together; Cameron (5) and newborn Callan (born November 2021). Shortly after her milestone 30th birthday, Kelsey had two immediate family member deaths. In December 2020, she experienced the unexpected loss of her beloved father and then a few weeks later, in January 2021, the also unexpected passing of her step-father with whom she was also very close. The very next month, February 2021, Kelsey had a miscarriage. Kelsey kept her hopes alive, and she learned that she and Paul were finally expecting their rainbow baby in December 2021. With a new home and a new baby on the way, it seemed they had a lot to be excited about…. And then their world changed forever.

 

In October 2021, right after Kelsey's 31st birthday, a biopsy led to a cancer diagnosis; not just any cancer diagnosis -- stage 4 of the most aggressive form of cancer, an adenocarcinoma, with only a 6% survival rate. Kelsey and Paul's world was shattered on that day in October; they learned in one day that not only did Kelsey have stage 4 cancer, but that their baby would have to be delivered prematurely for Kelsey to start treatment as soon as possible.

 

Callan was delivered preterm and, other than being readmitted to the hospital, fortunately is doing well. Kelsey, however, needs a miracle to beat all odds. Baseline imaging shows the metastatic spread of the cancer, so aggressive that scans between November and December show even further progression. Kelsey is dealing with the cancer's daily physical symptoms as well as treatment side effects. And every day she does her best to remain positive to get more time with her family.

 

Kelsey is off work for an undetermined time, and Paul is also on leave since October. Paul works in the trades and cannot work from home or stay off work for much longer. With Paul needing to return to work, Kelsey will need help fighting an aggressive cancer and taking care of two young kids. Kelsey’s employer benefits plan offers some support, and for that they are very grateful. 

 

Your financial support will offer a sense of financial relief from worrying about existing bills and future obligations so that Kelsey, Paul and the boys can focus on spending time together for as long as they have.

Kelsey's biggest fear is not her physical pain but the cancer taking her away from her husband and two small boys. Every day she thinks about moments she won’t be able to experience in her boys' lives.