In 1991, I discovered an abnormal lesion on my right calf. It was surgically removed, and I learned it was melanoma. I had heard of melanoma but did not know much about it. Since I was in my early twenties, I followed the doctor’s instructions and never thought much more about it. I went to the oncologist for follow-up visits but gradually stopped going. I figured my melanoma was a thing of the past and never thought too much more about it other than avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds.

In July 2008, I felt a lump in my groin. After outpatient surgery, I was informed it was cancer, metastatic melanoma. My life changed forever that day. Within 24 hours, I had a PET scan and an appointment scheduled with an oncologist. My PET scan showed activity in my right groin area, and the oncologist advised me to have a lymph node dissection followed by bio-immunotherapy. It was explained that there were not a lot of treatment options for melanoma. My oncologist informed me that the appearance of new tumors during treatment could be a sign that the melanoma cells were resisting the treatment. The extensive surgery to remove the cluster of nodes was performed in August of 2008 when it was determined that several other lymph nodes were diseased.

After six weeks of recovery, I began a two-year clinical trial. At that time, it was the few treatments available for my level of disease. It consisted of 2 chemotherapy-type drugs (Leukine and Interleukin 2 [IL2]) that I self-injected every day. The IL2 made me violently ill, causing vomiting, fainting, rigors, chills, and sleepless nights.

Five months into the protocol, I again felt a lump in my groin. A biopsy and PET scan showed that it was a recurrence of the melanoma. That was not a good sign. I remembered the previous conversation with my oncologist about new tumors forming. I felt helpless and hopeless at that time.

In March 2009, the oncologist again performed a significant surgery to remove the cancer that had developed on my muscle, which had been flipped into my groin/thigh area from my hip. He also went into my deep groin through my abdomen. Thankfully, the pathology report from that surgery came back as healthy other than the contained tumor that was removed from my muscle. That tumor was doused with high radiation and immediately frozen. The team took my radiated tumor and turned it into a personalized vaccine for me. At the beginning of each cycle of treatment, I was injected with my melanoma cell vaccine. The goal was to have my body recognize the melanoma cells as foreign and have my immune system fight off and kill any matching cells. I have remained N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease) ever since.

In 2009, Kelly’s Dream was formed. Kelly’s Dream focuses on easing the financial and emotional strain of cancer, raising melanoma awareness, and spreading the gift of hope. We assist an abundance of cancer patients and their families who are struggling with the hardship of cancer. We offer financial help directly through our general and specific assistance programs. We are proud of our numerous partnerships, including GBMC, Moveable Feasts, Cancer Support Foundation, and many Cancer Centers. We collaborate with Infusion Centers, providing patients and caregivers with snacks, coffee, and small gifts.

Kelly’s Dream has a melanoma prevention and awareness program, Check & Protect, that has been well-received throughout the community. We travel to area schools and organizations to share our journey with melanoma and educate about how to protect ourselves from the hazards of UV rays. We have successfully partnered with Stevenson University and Archbishop Curley to install sunscreen dispensers in the athletic stadiums for fans and players to protect themselves from the dangers. We are excited about our sunscreen dispenser initiative’s upcoming commitments and interest. 

I always say that things happen for a reason. I feel blessed to have been chosen to live this journey. I wake up daily with a feeling of purpose and a continued drive to help more patients as they embark on their journey to wellness.