Relay 2013

Relay is coming up in the next couple of months! The date is set for July 12th at FZ South High. The venue has changed because Lutheran is redoing their field this summer.  I am not ahead like I usually am, but I have started our team site:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY13PL?team_id=1387006&pg=team&fr_id=52207

You can sign up there to be on the team. We still want to have a BBQ when the school year winds down and to gather information for everyone. So that info will be out sometime soon.

I talked to Katie and Angie, our focus at our tents will be a little different. We will still have the games, but we wanted to sell crafty type stuff. This will include the bracelets and anything else talent lends us. So if you have a talent or ideas, bring it on! Or you could hit up pinterest. :) We are also planning to keep the caricature booth, so if you have a kid that would like to draw people for donations... let me know!

Before hand, I would suggest trying to raise money by selling luminaria for the ceremony. I will get you the form when I have it. Luminaria are the paperbags that will are put around the field when it gets dark. I have taken on that part of relay this year and will be heading up the effort. They are $5 a piece. Again, I will send the form ASAP. Angie and Heidi had some luck sending emails last year. We ended up being a silver level team (3,500+)! 

When it gets closer, I will send out a sign up for working the tent and snacks. I was really bummed last year when it got rained out because of all the people that were there and our tent looked great! Hopefully this year the weather will be fine and we will have a great night for a great cause.

If you think of anything or anyone that I am missing in this email, feel free to pass it along. Anyone is welcome to sign up. 

The more the merrier. 

Sending this email each year reminds me why I do relay. We do relay in honor of Cindy. She was the driving force in the Kelly Clan. She loved a gathering of family and friends. That is what relay is. A gathering of family and friends. One night a year we get together to fight back in honor/memory of her. So thank you in advance from all of the Kellys! We look forward to seeing you all in July. 

Missy, Katie and Angie

If you haven't already marked it on your calendar... please do so! We are holding a team fundraiser at Chevy's in O'Fallon, MO on 3-31-12. You can eat anytime from 11am-11pm and 15% of your bill goes towards our relay team to benefit the American Cancer Society. Cindy loved a gathering and good food, so bring friends and family. If you need a copy of the flier, I have put it in this blog entry. You can present it there or just mention that you want to dine for the Kelly Clan! Don't forget you can join us too on July 13th at Lutheran High in St. Peters at the Realy For Life. Come visit and hang out. There will be lots of food, entertainment and it is all for a great cause. To cure cancer! Thanks!

Relay 2012

Here is the link to our Relay For Life page. The Kelly clan will be doing it again so mark you calendars and sign up online.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY12PL?pg=team&fr_id=39827&team_id=1049095

Please contact me with any questions. We will have a team meeting later this winter to start things up!

Thanks!
Missy

Relay 2011

Well the Relay was a huge success and here are some of the highlights!

-We raised a total of 2118.25 cents! At the event alone we raised over $630 dollars. Thanks to all who donated time, money, and supplies.

-The games were a big hit. We rented them from American Carnival Mart! Thanks to everyone who helped run the games for the families. Good job!

-Thanks to the Brinkman's, everyone enjoyed cold slushies. You guys are fantastic!!!! Thanks to everyone who poured and sold slushies.

-The necklaces, bracelets and other fun items did very well too! A big thanks to Donna, Andria, Debbie, Angie and Katie for helping with all of that. If you sold suff too.... Thanks!!!!

-Our banner won best banner of the night voted by the survivors. This was a group effort between Angie, Katie and myself. I think it was because Cindy was on it!!!

-Ryan got second place in the Queen of the Relay contest. Next year we will come in first!!! It is on!

-Our team got a rising star for the night, but now that we are above 2000 dollars, we might be considered a bronze team. This means we get a sign to put out at our sight next year! AWESOME job!

-The event raised over 53,000 dollars! Wow.

-Thanks to all who brought snacks to share.... they were great too.

-Our camp was georgously decorated! Thanks to Donna and Katie for picking out the decor and Jack for setting up the cute toys. Also thanks to all those who came early to help set up.

-Thanks to Shawn Prinster (my bro) who lent us his golf cart to haul stuff. This saved a lot of time and power.

I hope I remembered everything. We definately plan on doing this next year. I would love your input and suggestions. I would also like some suggestions for fundraisers we can do as a team outside of the relay. We will try and start earlier next year now that we know what we are doing! We did really well for our first year out. It was a blast hanging out with everyone and sharing this event. Cindy would have loved seeing everyone and sharing this too. We did this for her and for our other survivors: Donna, Ruth and Stephanie. We hope that this little bit can make a difference in at least one life. We also continue to pray for a cure to this terrible disease. Thanks for supporting us and the cause. See you next year!!!

Relay Team

Katie, Angie, and I are starting a Relay For Life Team in honor of Cindy. Here are the details in brief:

Who: Our team is called the Kelly Clan and we welcome anyone who wants to join us
What: American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Central St. Charles
When: Friday, 7-15-11, 6pm to 6am (you don't have to stay the whole time... but I am:)
Where: Lutheran HS in St. Peters (next to the Rec Plex)
Why: To honor Cindy's life and donate funds to the American Cancer Society to put a stop to cancer
How: Visit the link below and sign up online. There is a $10 commitment fee and then you can donate/raise as much as you want. We will have an Irish themed campsite with all kinds of fun stuff going on! I would like to have the team set by the beginning of May. Once I have a list of names, we will be putting together more information for the event. If you can't join us and want to donate, let us know that too.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=914648&pg=team&fr_id=32204

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at mlkelly80@hotmail.com.

Thanks,
Missy

Final Entry

This is the final entry for this blog. It has been a hectic and sad couple of weeks. The visitation yesterday for Cindy was really moving. There were so many people that came out to pay their respects, I know that the whole family was really honored. Cindy was loved by so many people.

The funeral was today, and it was beautiful. Looking out into the pews, right before the the service, was really amazing. Again, there were so many faces! It was a true testament to what kind of person Cindy was. Popular and loved. The songs and bible verses were really inspirational. They truly fit Cindy. The sermon and memories were really specia tool. Ryan and I had a good time putting together the slide show for Cindy. It was hard at times, but there were some really great memories. Cindy passed here photobug gene down to Ryan! The campers singing at the end was priceless and I know Cindy was smiling down on them from Heaven.

After the DELICIOUS meal that the church put on, the whole extended family went back to the Kelly house to spend time together. We had a lot of people in from out of town. It was great to see Jack's brothers and sisters and cousins from a far. We also got to share a lot of memories about Cindy. She would've loved to see us all together. The kids played, we laughed, and remembered.

It is still pretty surreal that Cindy is gone. I am sure it won't sink in for awhile and the impact is still so new. She was such an amazing person and I am very grateful to have her as a role model of an wonderful wife and mother. I will miss her very much. So, to Cindy.... until we meet again in Heaven. I love you mom.

PS... Cameron told God today that he wants his house in Heaven exactly one block from yours. That way he can walk to your house. :)

Donations and Clarification

Carrie (Cindy's niece) started a page in honor of Cindy on the Susan G. Komen website. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made. Here is the site....

http://www.info-komen.org/goto/cindykelly

Also, just for clarification... the visitation on Friday is at Baumann and everything on Saturday is at St. Paul's. Just so everyone knows. Here is a recap:
Friday: 2pm-9pm visitation @ Baumann
Saturday: 9:30am-11:00am visitation @ St. Paul's 11:00am-12:00pm funeral service @St. Paul's 12:00pm luncheon @St. Paul's.
All of the addresses and websites are on the previous post. Thanks.

Heaven and Arrangements

I know that some of you have heard that Cindy passed on to a better place today. It happened this morning, very peacefully. She was surrounded by family. The family is very comforted knowing that she is in Heaven and out of pain. The arrangements were made this afternoon and here is all the information.

There will be a visitation on Friday, July 30th, 2010 from 2pm-9pm at Baumann Colonial Chapel. The address is 2504 Woodson Rd. Overland, Missouri 63114. Their website is www.baumannchapel.com The phone number is 314-427-2345 or 1-800-427-5145

On Saturday, July 31st, 2010 there will be a short visitation from 9:30am-11:00am, then the funeral at 11:00am-12:00pm, and a luncheon at 12pm at St. Paul's Evangelical Church. The address is 9801 Olive Blvd. ,Creve Coeur, MO 63141. Their website is http://stpaulsefree.org

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Here is their website: www.Komen.org

Thank your all for the support and we were all blessed to have had Cindy in our lives.

Todays News and Marriage

Ryan and I just got home from picking the kids up from my brother's house. The whole Kelly and Coleman family (and Carrie!) were together today with Cindy. They freed her from her tubes and wires around noon. She was surrounded by love and family. Cindy continues to breathe on her own and remain here on Earth. The family keeps praying for her to be comfortable and without pain. We also are just imagining the homecoming she will receive when she gets to heaven.... so many people waiting for her. Until then, we pray and are with her.

As Ryan and I take this journey, we realize even more what an amazing marriage Jack and Cindy have had. What great role models they are for us. They embody love and commitment. They way that they were with each other, you can just feel the connection that they have. It is really a blessing to be able to see them together and have them for parents. Their marriage made five wonderful children. I hope that Ryan and I can be as happy as they are through the years.

Tomorrow

Well. Tomorrow they are going to unhook Cindy from all that she is tethered too. She will be free from the cords, tubes, and bags. The doctors feel that there is nothing more that can be done. She has fought long and hard the last five years, and it is her time to be reunited with her loved ones and God in Heaven. It really will be a relief for her with no pain or sickness. The prayers that the Kelly family are asking for is that she go quickly and without pain. She has suffered long enough. We also pray for strength to make it through the rough road ahead. Thank you for reading and all the support. Keep praying and I will keep you updated.
Missy

Grandkids

This is the toughest subject to talk about. But it was one of the most important to Cindy. She was crazy about her grand kids. CRAZY!!! She loved them and treated them like royalty. From the moment I found out I was pregnant with Cameron, Cindy was in love. She called Cameron her prince and her cookie. She would shower him with a million kissies. In Cameron's eyes, Grammy is the best. He has told me that a lot. In the picture above you can see the pride in her eyes.

Then Ryleigh was born. Princess Ryleigh. We were all overjoyed to have a girl. We gave her the middle name Rose for Cindy's mom and Aunt Katie. Cindy and Katie made sure she was treated just like a princess. She was Grammy's cupcake and got chocy milk whenever she wanted.

Jack and Cindy were gracious enough to watch the kids while I went to work during the school year. I never worried about them. They would fill their days with playing outside, baking cookies, zoo visits, and other fun activities. Somethings I wouldn't know about... what happens at Grammy's house stays at Grammy's house. The only times I saw Cindy upset with her being sick was when she couldn't get the kids. She would always ask, when can I pick up or hold my grand kids.

Then in April Kieran was born. I am glad that Cindy got to be there. In fact, they were the first ones there at 3am when we got to the hospital. It makes me happy to know that she met him. We are blessed and lucky to have such wonderful parents and grandparents in our lives. My kids will never forget her. We have pictures, videos and our memories to pass on. Thank you Cindy, Mom, and Grammy.

Daily Report and Band Parents

Not much of a change again today. We still are waiting for the doctor's advice tomorrow. Seems that not much happens at the hospital on the weekend. The kids and Jack were altogether again today at the hospital. John and Angie headed back to Springfield and will return on Tuesday. We are back home after picking the kids up from my mom's house (thanks mom). It is hard to ship them around, but we are thankful that we have so many who are willing to help.




Something else we were talking about yesterday was the fact that Jack and Cindy were expert band parents. All 5 of their kids were in marching bands. 3 different schools actually and from 1991 to 2008. That is where I met the Kelly's. I actually knew Jack and Cindy before I knew Ryan. All the kids knew the Kellys. Cindy was always sweet and took care of us. Friends we have known since high school always ask about them. They were at all of the competitions. Ryan and I taught where the younger kids went to school and got to travel to many competitions together with Jack and Cindy. They were always so supportive of the kids. This picture is from Katie's senior year at one of her last competitions. The whole family came in to cheer her on. It was very cool and yet another thing that was done as a family.

Preparing

We spent the afternoon and evening with the family at the hospital. There has been no real improvements with Cindy's condition. The Herceptin does not seem to be effecting her. She wasn't opening her eyes or anything. The boys and Jack met with Pastor Mark to start thinking about arrangements. The doctors will reevaluate her on Monday. There might be nothing more that they can do. The family is preparing for that.

This is crushing to all of us. It is also really hard to see her in the state that she is in. We cling to the fact that Cindy will be in no more pain and in a better place. She will be reunited with her mother, her father, her sister, and God. We would like to keep her here, but it seems as if she is being called home.

We spent the evening at the Graeler's house for a good meal and great companionship. Today we talked a lot about the changes and how we can keep her memory alive. Through all of this, the family has come together and friends have come to support. That is the silver lining... and I think that Cindy would want us to see that. Family and friends are what matter most.

Camp

I know that St. Paul's leaves for camp this weekend. Cindy LOVED camp. She always loved the outdoors. Camping was one of her favorite things. And she loved God. Not to mention she loved teaching and working with kids. So camp was right up her alley and combined a bunch of things that she loved. I never got to experience camp with her, but she would come home with great stories. She also was really energized from camp. I was just thinking of that this morning.

I haven't heard anything new yet. Ryan and I are going down this afternoon after we drop the kiddos of at my mom's house. I will write more about how she is doing. Keep praying that the Herceptin does something, anything. Thanks for reading.

Todays News

They gave Cindy the Herceptin treatment this afternoon and there were no adverse effects. So far her mental and physical state are about the same as it was before. No real responses but no negative effects either. They are going to come in Monday to exam her to decide if they are going to do a second dose or not. So I guess we wait the weekend and see. Nothing else much to say. Keep praying for her and I will update as we find out more. Thanks.

Missy

New Treatment and Family Vacations

I hear that the Herceptin treatment will happen around 2 o'clock. Just wanted to let everyone know. I will write later this evening to let you all know how it went.

A couple of things I have been thinking about....

One of the best things that we have done as a family has been vacationing together. Jack and Cindy have taken us on some of the BEST vacations and we have made memories to last a life time. The first of these memorable vacations was Ireland.

Above is all of us in Galway, Ireland. The tour guide Gerrard (Cindy could never pronounce his name... it was funny!) called us the Kelly Clan and we were. We saw things that were amazing and we spent time together. Michael talked to pigs, we kissed the Blarney stone, visited Aunt Nora... and many other adventures. So cool.

This picture up above is the surprise (for Jack) trip that we took to Alaska. We cruised and saw the sites. We celebrated Jack's birthday and spent time together yet again in an amazing atmosphere. The highlight of the trip was the helicopter ride to the glacier. Breathtaking.

The last trip we took together was to Disney World (Cindy's favorite place). This time we had the two grand kids and we even had my brother Ben and his fiance Stephanie. Again, we all spent time together and made great memories. It was especially fun to see Cameron and Ryleigh react to everything around them.

When my kids are older, I hope that we can do for them what the Kelly's have done for us. Take family vacations with each other. The time we spent together created a thousand memories that we are all grateful for. I love to look through the albums and remember. It is even better when we get together and laugh about our experiences. Good times.

Lots of Support

We have had some much support over the last couple of weeks. Ryan and I personally have had sitters for the kids, dinners brought, and lots of moral support. Thank you to everyone. Knowing that people are there really makes this time a little easier. I know Jack and the other kids have had the same. They thank everyone too!

Now on to today's report. She got infused with the chemo again today and finished a long EEG. No real results from that test yet. They are looking to see if there is any seizure activity. There was really no improvement as far as her being responsive. While we were there this evening, we had no physical responses from her. It is really hard to see her like this and not be able to talk to her.

The doctors met with Jack and the kids this evening. They are going to go ahead a try the Herceptin chemo treatment tomorrow. This is something that she hasn't had yet in this setting. A different type of chemo than what they have used this week. Here is a site about the drug Herceptin.
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/targeted_therapies/herceptin/how_works.jsp
Cindy has had Herceptin before, but not like this. This is a big deal because doing this treatment directly into the brain and spinal fluid hasn't been done very many times. The doctors don't really know what is going to happen. But, the current treatment is not working. The family was in agreement that it was worth a shot. They will do this tomorrow, and then probably again on Monday and see what happens. We are all hoping for the best.

Again, we are asking for lots of prayers. I will let you know what happens tomorrow. We are not sure what time the treatment will take place. Thanks for reading.

About the same.

Ryan and I went to the hospital this afternoon. Michael, Katie, Tom, and Jack were there too. The McRoys came up and got us some lunch (thanks!). Ryan and I miss Tom and Michael. We are glad they are home and really like talking to them.

But on with the update.... Cindy is about the same today (so far). She has gotten another chemo treatment at around 11am. That is the 3rd one out of 5. They also took some fluid out to culture to see if they want to add a different type of chemo to this chemo. You see, Cindy's cancer is HER-2 positive. Here is link that describes it:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/AN00495
So they are thinking of adding Herceptin to her treatment. There is not a lot of research on this though. So, Jack and the doctors will talk about it and decide what to do.

Other than the chemo, she is still opening and tracking people with her eye. She is squeezing (softly) with her hand and nodding. They did a neuro exam and said that she is doing better, but not quite where she should be (according to the doctors). The doctors are also doing a 24 hour EEG to measure if there is any seizure activity.

The messages that people are leaving are very comforting to the family... keep them coming! They are reading and checking the blog frequently. We continue to wait and see what happens next. Cindy is such a fighter. Keep praying and thanks for reading.

PS....

If you want to share stories about Cindy or comment on here, we are talking to her daily and will share it with her. I am hoping to show this to her when she can see it. I think that would be neat. Thanks!

Really good day!

We went down to see Cindy this evening and she looked really good. She was alert and looking at us. She also squeezed some hands today and nodded to 3 of Katie's questions. This is fantastic!!! At 5pm they did the second chemo treatment and there were no seizures. The doctors seemed to be pleased too. So we will wait and see what the next couple of days bring with more treatments to come. I really can't wait to see how she does tomorrow. She is still intibated, but we are all hoping that the tube comes out soon. Her blood pressure was really great too.

Angie brought up something that we had talked about. Cindy never has complained about what the cancer has done to her. She listens to us and does not let on that she feels ill. She doesn't want us to worry about her, she wants to take care of all of us. That is just how she is. I think that she will show this cancer who is boss. Keep praying and thanks for reading!