09/12/2022
“2012 was a tough year. Several months after losing my father on my 12th birthday, I was constantly in the hospital for medical issues that could not be resolved. After multiple emergency surgeries, I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. However, the health concerns did not stop. On Thanksgiving Day, I was diagnosed with another illness - this time hearing the words no child should have to hear: ‘You have cancer.’
I had Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer most often seen in older males and rarely in children.
My family and I had a long road ahead of us - going for check-ups, sometimes daily, for weeks on end. The chemotherapy pill caused a lot of joint pains, loss of appetite, fatigue and caused me to lose my hair in clumps. Eventually, after losing enough of my hair, I decided to shave it all off.
I would often tell myself, ‘You can do it, just push harder.’ What brought me HOPE during all the hard times was the amazing support from family and friends, including my beloved mother, who passed in November 2021, and my older brothers, who I hold near and dear to my heart. I also received a lot of support from some amazing organizations, like Camp Good Days and Special Times Inc., Kaely's Kindness Foundation, and Courage of Carly Fund. I am confident that these groups helped me come out of treatment as a stronger person!
After 8 LONG years of treatment, I was able to ring the Victory Bell at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. November 16th, 2022 will mark 3-years of being CANCER FREE!”
~Kelcie
SHINE GOLD with us all of September for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Each day, we will highlight a new young warrior. No child fights alone! 🎗️
Make a donation to Shine Gold today for fighters, like Kelcie: https://hoperisesnews.com/shine-gold-for-the-kids/
Thank you to our September 12th Shine Gold sponsor Beyer Trucking LLC✨