It is with a heavy heart that I create this GoFundMe for my father, Roderick Kelly. My father is one of the most charismatic, loving, genuine, and strongest men I know. So, to witness him losing his battle at the age of 57 years old to bladder cancer is a difficult pill to take.

Update: My father made his transition on Saturday July 26, 2025 at 6:58pm. Funeral will be Saturday August 9, 2025 at 11am.

Last April, my father was diagnosed with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, a rare type of cancer not commonly found in the US, often caused by chronic irritation and inflammation of the bladder lining. It was a major shock to us all because my dad doesn’t drink or smoke, eats healthy, has a regular fitness regime, and never had bladder issues prior.

Then, the surgery to remove the cancer came in July of 2024, but once opened, doctors determined that they could not remove the cancer safely without it being to his detriment. So, he was closed back up, and we hit the ground running with the next steps of chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors thought it best for both due to his healthy habits, initial strength, and age.

Radiation did a number on my dad's internal organs to the point where he began experiencing internal bleeding, which led to him receiving regular blood transfusions, totaling over 25 between November 2024 and February 2025, and consistently getting infections in between.

In April of 2025, he had a 13-hour surgery to remove the cancer, and they had to remove his bladder, half of his colon, some of his small and large intestines, as well as his prostate. We thought we were out of the woods; he was doing well and headed on the healing path. Due to infections, hematomas, and ruptured organs that formed holes in various organs, he had to undergo 6 more vital surgeries that he came out of victoriously. Unfortunately, the hospital could not stop the sensitivities of his internal organs. Holes continued to form, bleeding persisted, and doctors can no longer open him up to make repairs. So, he was transferred from ICU to the hospice unit on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, where he is transitioning.

Any and all help is appreciated to aid in his funeral arrangements and services. We thank you in advance for your love and continued support.