<div>Many of you know our parents, John and Mary Kelly. Over the past five years, they have faced a series of relentless health challenges, especially our father, John. In July 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic, he entered medical care for a growth on his back. That growth was soon diagnosed as a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which ultimately developed into Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
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<div>The two years that followed were incredibly difficult. Dad underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, targeted radiation, and a stem cell transplant, all while isolated in the hospital due to COVID protocols. At times, he was alone for months, without visitors or clear awareness of the days passing. Anyone who knows him can imagine how tough this was for someone who thrives on personal connections.
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<div>The toll, emotionally, physically, and financially was immense. Yet, through it all, our mother and family supported him as best we could. By 2022, we were relieved to hear the word “remission.” But things still weren’t right. At our parents’ 40th anniversary, Dad was present, but he wasn’t truly himself.
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<div>From 2022 through 2024, he continued to decline. Doctors treated a range of symptoms from heart issues to physical complications, but nothing explained the steady deterioration. Eventually, the focus shifted to neurology. Tests and evaluations now pointed toward cognitive decline consistent with dementia. Whether caused by age, past football injuries, a serious fall, or the intensity of his cancer treatments, we may never know. What we do know is this: his brain is declining, and he now needs full-time care.
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<div>Mary, our mother, has been his tireless caregiver, physically lifting, supporting, and guiding him through each day, often on just 1-3 hours of sleep. Her strength has been nothing short of incredible, but it has pushed her to the brink. They spend time with their 5 grandchildren when it is a “Good Day”. This is seen in pictures of them both celebrating every life milestone just trying to have some normalcy.
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<div>This past weekend on the heals of their 43rd wedding anniversary our father again entered crisis. He is now under care at Hershey Medical Center. It’s likely he will not be able to return home and may require long-term residential care. Doctors now compare his condition to late-stage dementia.
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<div>We’re asking for your help. Donations will go directly to help cover the costs of care and provide a short-term financial cushion as we figure out next steps. Any amount helps. Thank you for supporting our family during this time.
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<div>Ryan, Megan, &amp; Maura
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