For the longest time, Ross has taken special interest in a young girl names Kelly Grubb.
Kelly first began her battle with cancer in the first grade. Eight years ago Kelly was given 6 months to live. Then 6 years ago, Kelly made history when she became the first pediatric patient in America to receive a mini-stem cell transplant from a mismatched donor.
Unfortunately, Kelly's battle ended a week ago today. Brave and optimistic until the end, Kelly finally succumbed to the diseases she had been fighting for most of her life. Ross sent me a link to the following article which I hope you have a few seconds to read. Click HERE.
While I never met Kelly I feel I knew her through all the emails Ross shared with me. I have been planning a whirlwind weekend in June encompassing two states, 20 hours of driving and two marathons. One marathon was in Helena located just a few hours south of where Kelly lived. I was hoping to possibly meet her in Great Falls and tell her what an inspiration she has been to me even just through the words of Ross. Unfortunately, now I will not get the chance to meet her. However, I hope her own fight inspires you to take on those personal battles you are currently putting off.
And if you want to send a card for sympathies, Kelly's parents are listed at the below address.
Don and Patty Grubb
125 1st Avenue SW
Cut Bank, Montana 59427
It would be AWESOME if you could take the time to send just a postcard from where you are, to show how far Kelly's story reached. If you want to bill me the $0.29 for the stamp and whatever for the postcard, I will pay it. (Those of you overseas have to pay your own! ;^ )
Thanks for taking the time to read.
7 comments:
Dane,
Thanks so much for the nice post about Kelly.
I received an e-mail from another TNT participant that read your blog asking me if she could put Kelly's name on the back of her jersey to honor her during a marathon she is doing this fall. That was so touching.
I thought that was so neat that you wanted to meet her and let her know that she had inspired you as well. Kelly truly has been an inspiration to so many people in her lifetime.
Thanks again for your kindness and support of Kelly and taking the time to share her story and honor her life.
She has been my hero for the last 9 years and always will be.
Ross
Thanks for posting Dane. Sounds like she made the most out of her life while here on earth.
Another amazing young woman, just like Elora Geier. I can see why people were inspired by her, as she really lived during the time she had. I hope her parents realize that they played a big role in making her the incredible person she was. My prayers to Kelly's family at this very sad time.
Thanks for sharing, Dane. I'll even spring for an *actual* card for them. And I'll pay the postage myself, thanks.
Thanks for sharing that story, Dane. What a special girl and special family.
Just wanted to wish you luck this weekend, and I hope the weather holds up (no wind). Also, I wanted you to know that no tackling is necessary as I deferred Boston. (At least I am getting smarter in my old age ;))!
what a great post...sure will send a card!
Lisa
Card on the way. Its nice of you to continue to share your stories about people you've come in contact with, or that have touched you.
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