Meet Kelly, August’s Send Me on Vacation Survivor

Our family has been through a lot in the past 10 years. I have two boys, a 14- and 16-year-old and a husband of 26 years. Beginning with a work-related back injury, I was left partially paralyzed in one leg, but have learned to walk. Not long after my back surgery, I lost my brother to suicide. Then I got breast cancer (for the first time), which resulted in a bilateral mastectomy. Before I could catch my breath, my husband Kurt was laid off from his position at Wells Fargo and suffered a severe heart attack shortly thereafter. Then my cancer returned, and it was early stage 4 and now it is very likely to return for a third time.

I am Italian, but I have never been to Italy. I am constantly reading books that take place in Italy and it has always been my dream to go there. I was an art teacher for 29 years and I taught about the art of Italy as well. I now teach after school art, and I would love to incorporate ideas from an Italian trip into my lesson plans.

My family Is also in need of a vacation from our continuous stress. I worry about my kids and how since Kindergarten and Second grade, Kelly have had trauma nonstop in their life. Please consider me for a vacation.

Kelly J.

Kelly’s Sponsor:
SPI Software and Women’s Council of Realtors

• January Send Me on Vacation Survivor
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Send Me On Vacation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides breast cancer survivors in need with the opportunity to initiate the process of emotional healing through a vacation experience. To learn more about SMOV or donate, go to: https://sendmeonvacation.org/donate/