This past summer, Ms. Kelly and her family moved from Washington, D.C. to New York State. She and her family were very excited to return to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where her husband, COL Todd Kelly, was named Deputy Commandant. Like many other women, Ms. Kelly’s life revolves around her work and family. As a military wife, she has spent over 25 years supporting military members and their families. Professionally, she has led partnership, fundraising and development efforts for a wide array of non-profit organizations. As Vice President of Global Partnerships and Development, Ms. Kelly’s dedication over the past 2-years has been in support of Brother’s Brothers mission by providing aid and developing sustainable projects by supporting localized programs which provide essential resources in the areas of Healthcare, Infrastructure, Disaster Response, and Education (H.I.D.E).

Ms. Kelly has always been diligent about regular breast exam care, due to her family history of breast cancer beginning with her grandmother. Since then, she has performed monthly selfchecks and annual mammograms. In June 2021, Ms. Kelly found a large lump 2 weeks before scheduled mammogram while performing a self-check. Her doctors were able to quickly schedule a mammography, biopsy, and other medical tests. Following these tests, Ms. Kelly received the shocking news confirming that she had invasive breast cancer and it had spread to her lymph nodes.

“My life changed in the span of a phone call,” Ms. Kelly said. “I was in shock at first realizing this was about to change the course of my direction. This would be a new road I would have to travel along with so many others who fight this disease every day.”

Shortly following the news Ms. Kelly received “I realized I was incredibly lucky. Regardless of the emotions I was experiencing, I have an opportunity to have the best healthcare and support team to get me through this horrible disease, but so many others here in the United States and around the World do not. “I’m surrounded by my family, friends, co-workers, and a great Oncology team to support me.” In response to this need, Brother’s Brother Foundation will be joining forces and partnering with other organizations to help improve the lives of so many that fight this disease. Ms. Kelly, moved by this gesture of support said, “I’m proud to work for an organization that helps improve the lives of people around the world as well as their local community. Helping women unable to receive or pay for treatments will save lives through early detection and education.” Ms. Kelly advises all women to conduct monthly breast self-exams to help detect changes that may be signs of breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected early, the chances for survival increase significantly.