Kelly’s story
Kelly was a beautiful, vibrant 21 year-old who loved her family and friends. She enjoyed working in child care, and had a passion for travelling and shopping. In January 2013 she returned from England where she had been living and travelling for almost a year.
The first signs that something was wrong were when Kelly started losing weight, and having trouble with bowel movements. Her doctor thought a cyst was to blame, but sent her for a colonoscopy just to be sure.
When the results came back the news was hard to believe. Kelly had bowel cancer.
Kelly underwent months of treatment, all the while maintaining an amazingly positive attitude. Despite the rigorous regime of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, she still enjoyed life to the fullest.
Highlights of this time were a trip to Sydney to catch up with her UK mates, and an amazing day at the Melbourne Cup, where Kelly and her friends were flown to Flemington Racecourse by helicopter and given the royal treatment.
At Christmas Kelly was in hospital and very unwell, but determined to spend Christmas Day at home with her family. After much negotiating with doctors we were able to bring her home where we shared a very special day with her. She especially loved time with her new nephew Mason on his first Christmas.
Kelly was so sick yet so brave, and an inspiration to those around her. She passed away peacefully at home on Australia Day, surrounded by her friends and family, talking and smiling her beautiful smile until the end.
Kelly was only 22 and wanted to make young people aware that bowel cancer is not just an old person’s disease.