My name is Kelly, and I’m currently undergoing chemotherapy for Stage 2b Lepidic Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer. I’m a parent to three amazing kids—Wyatt (13), Grant (10), and Violet (9)—and we share our home with our Golden Pyrenees, Rufus, and three cats: Jack, Nova, and Twyla. My partner, Scott, lives just a block away with his older kids and three dogs. He’s my rock, always by my side at appointments and infusions, and caring for me and my children through every step of this journey.

The hardest part of treatment has been the days following each chemo infusion. My regimen is very toxic, leaving me bedridden with flu-like symptoms for over a week at a time. Even simple tasks like walking to the mailbox or driving require careful planning. I’m also still recovering from surgery to remove the upper lobe of my left lung, which has made breathing and daily life a challenge. Because my work involved caring for pets—walking dogs, boarding, and cat visits—I’m unable to return to it for the foreseeable future. I’ll soon begin a three-year immunotherapy chemo pill regimen, which will bring its own set of side effects and require me to be extra cautious with my health.

My kids have already overcome so much, having escaped domestic violence in 2018 and worked hard to heal. We were finally finding happiness and stability when this diagnosis changed everything. Donations have helped me provide for my children—hiring babysitters, ordering special meals, paying bills, and getting school supplies. Your support means the world to us, helping me care for my family and keep life as normal as possible for my kids during this difficult time. Thank you for being part of our journey and for any help you can give.