Rally For The Rellihan's

Mark and Shelly Rellihan are two amazing people who put everything they have into each other, their boys, and all of their family and friends. They truly bring joy to all of those around them, in everything they do.  Mark and Shelly have been married for almost 30 years and they have two adult sons, Jared and Patrick.  They are the kindest, sweetest, most giving, and fun-loving people you could ever imagine.  When you are with them, you cannot help but to love their adventurous and contagious spirit. 

The past year and a half have been very difficult for the Rellihan's. They have encountered some challenges that no one should have to endure. 

In July 2016, Mark went in for a routine colonoscopy. At the appointment, it was determined that cancerous polyps existed.  Surgery would be required to remove a portion of Mark's colon, and chemo and radiation treatments would follow for the next six months. Four months spent in chemo treatments, and two in radiation.

In April 2017, Mark had his last chemo treatment.  At that time, Mark's CT scan was clear, his blood work was clear, and it appeared that Mark, Shelly, and the boys could put this behind them. Everyone was so excited to hear this news!

April 2017, 1 ½ weeks after Mark's 1st round of tests came back clear, Shelly went in for a routine check up for herself.  It was that check up that would result in Shelly finding out she had ovarian cancer. Therefore, on Good Friday, she had her first surgery.

May 2017, chemo started for Shelly, and they found themselves starting their fight again.  Shelly's treatments continued through the end of July. At that time, there was so much to celebrate for Shelly and Mark.  Shelly's goal was to return to work at Roosevelt Middle School on the first day of school. In true Shelly spirit, she of course reached that goal. Again, it looked as though things were looking up!

October 2017, Mark went in for his follow up scan. This scan showed that the cancer was back, and in his lungs. He was diagnosed on a Monday, and the following Wednesday he started chemo treatments again. This time around, he will have chemo treatments every other week, for 3 months. So now, they are in their fight again.

Mark and Shelly have remained upbeat, and their outlook has never waivered from positive.  They are continuing to work as much as they can, but as you can imagine, this is financially taking its toll.

So now, it is time that we Rally for the Rellihan's!  These two amazing people need our help, and we are hoping to raise enough to cover a portion, if not all, of their expenses.  One cancer diagnosis is quite a lot for any family, and they are on their third, in less than two years.  

Please consider donating through this page, or you can drop off your donation at any Dubuque Bank and Trust location.  You can make your donation under Mark or Michele Rellihan- Rally For The Rellihan's.  Any amount is helpful, and is greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance for supporting Mark and Shelly!