Kelly's Fight against AML Leukemia

Kelly is by far one of the best people I know. After being diagnosed in October 2014, after a routine visit to the OB/GYN, she spent most of 2015 battling AML, an aggressive form of Leukemia. Within days of diagnosis, Kelly was thrown immediately into instense and debilitating chemotherapy treatments that went on for almost 9 months. Within a couple of days, she went from a happy, carefree and 'normal' 26 year old, (literally voted Life of the Party in highschool for her fun-loving and inclusive spirit) to a cancer patient. During this entire ordeal, round after round of chemo, months in the hopsital, and a very scary stint in ICU, Kelly showed us all the true meaning of strength and grace. July 2015 she was given the all clear, and man has it been incredible leaving cancer in the dust these last 12 months. Immediately after Kelly was released from treatement, she started a 501c3 non-profit to support other cancer survivors. She literally didn't even have her hair back yet and here she was, concerned about giving back. In November 2015 we had our first large event, raising thousands for another local family. Just 2 months ago, Kelly competed for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the Year, a 10-week fundraising contest, which raised collectively over $300k for blood cancer research and patient advocacy.  This is the special kind of person Kelly is. Now is the time we ask for help again, and support for our Kelly girl. 

Yesterday, she got the results back from her regularly-scheduled 6-month bone marrow biopsy. The results were not what anybody expected -- her Leukemia is back. Once again, in a matter of days Kelly's world will be upside down, as she'll leave tomorrow for Dana Farber hospital in Boston, MA, where she will undergo treatment with the best Leukemia doctors available for the next year. Kelly will be in need of a Bone Marrow transplant. Please consider visiting BeTheMatch.org to register into the Bone Marrow Donor registery. All it takes is a cheek swab, and you could save a life. 

For a year, Kelly and her family will be away from work, while the cost of 'normal' life goes on. Bills are the absolute last thing that should be on someones mind while they fight for their life and undergo painful cancer treatment. 

Kelly kicked cancer's butt first time around, and we know she will do it again. The support of so many people in the community, both emotionally and financially means the world to so many people - most of all to Kelly and to those who love her so much.

You can read Kel's blog about her journey so far, and her desire to start A Second Go, Inc. here.