To make Kelly’s life easier on her return home

Where do we start. For 3 intense weeks, Kelly Gibson was hospitalized, fighting for her health; when on May 7th she received the devastating news from her doctors; in order to save her life, Kelly would have to undergo amputation of both legs.

In the last few years Kelly had been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that would complicate her plans for life. With each doctor visit, with each scary diagnosis, Kelly became more and more determined to continue to move forward with her fiancé Patrick, and their puppy Molly. Kelly and Patrick enjoyed traveling to places they had never been, and recently they had started planning their long-awaited wedding, which had been put on hold due to the pandemic. The trouble began during lockdown.

Early in 2020, Kelly developed some alarming symptoms that eventually led to a brain biopsy in April 2021. The good news from this surgery was that Kelly's condition was treatable. But the complex surgery resulted in complications to her health; the biggest being that she began to gradually lose circulation in both legs. After 3 long weeks of extreme pain and the doctors fighting with everything possible to save her legs, it came down to the last resort, dual amputation. Our brave and determined Kelly, our warrior, would not be stopped from moving forward with her life. She took the news with resolve and strength.

Kelly's first surgery was on May 14th. It was successful and the surgical team were happy with the results. But due to life-threatening blood loss she had to undergo a further surgery. As of now, Kelly is still in Addensbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge, hooked up to circulation pumps but her spirits remain strong and her smile is a beacon of strength and hope for the rest of us.

Here is where we need your help! Kelly's family has gathered to make sure that she returns home to a comfortable and safe environment where she can continue her journey and get strong. You can wait 6 months for the government to get things done or just do it yourself. While Kelly is still recovering in the hospital and working on getting stronger every day, Pat and Kelly's dad Andy are hard at work to get their home ready for Kelly's new life.

There are so many things that we take for granted, like walking into our home, walking upstairs, and even taking a shower. Converting Kelly and Patrick's home to make it a safe space requires extensive work, beginning with wheelchair access. From the entryway that needs to be leveled and ramps installed, to a chair lift to get to the 2nd level where the bathroom is; and of course the bathroom that right now is a small shower with a big step that will need to be removed.

Please help us make Kelly and Patrick's home a safe and accessible space. All the funds will go toward remodeling needed spaces at home to make Kelly's journey a little less burdensome. The next few months will be a test for all of us and especially for our dear Kelly. But our Gibson warrior has already shown that she is ready for this fight; with strength, grace, and an unstoppable determination.

PS Kelly and Pat would like to express their huge thanks to the staff of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, the NHS, family, friends and everyone who has reached out with offers of help and messages of support.

Thank you so much!!!

#TeamKellyG

#runforKellyG