Kelly and I met through mutual friends when she was temporarily living in DC to receive simultaneous chemo and radiation for esophageal cancer. She lives in Annapolis, but being away from her local community, she faced her treatment journey with remarkable strength, and a few of us stepped up to support her during those grueling weeks. I remember helping her pack up after she completed her treatment—she was utterly exhausted, yet she still found ways to connect, share humor, and express her gratitude. Our friendship grew from those moments of vulnerability and support.

Now, Kelly is facing a new and daunting challenge. On February 11, she will undergo a complex, many-hour surgery to remove her esophagus and replace it with her stomach. The procedure will involve robotic surgery with multiple entry points along her back, abdomen, and neck. The recovery will be long and difficult, and on top of the physical and emotional toll, Kelly is also facing significant financial burdens. These include the cost of housing during her treatment in DC, insurance copayments, and additional expenses for recovery, such as at-home nursing care and grocery delivery. Living alone in Annapolis means she may need to hire outside help, even though she has a loving team of friends who support her as much as they can.

Any funds raised will go directly to covering Kelly’s medical care, housing, treatment, and recovery needs. The goal is to allow Kelly to focus on her recovery and not on her financial burden. While her community is strong, not everyone can give in the same way—some can help with meals or care, while others may prefer to contribute financially. I want to offer everyone who knows Kelly, and even those who don’t, the chance to support her in whatever way they can. Your generosity will make a real difference in her journey to recovery.