Kelly
Kelly’s story is a little different. She is not a mother. Kelly lost her mother nine years ago to a heart attack while she was training for a marathon. Even though she is no longer here, Kelly wants the memory of her mother (Mary) to live on and for her story to be shared with everyone.
Mary was an amazing woman. She always wanted children, so she and her husband adopted a son. As soon as they did, she found out she was pregnant with Kelly. She loved her children more than anything. Her heart was so big and she wanted to help out the community however she could, that’s where her love for marathons started. She competed in marathons to help out different causes, her biggest cause being the fight against breast cancer.
Mary died preparing for the three day-60 mile breast cancer marathon. Knowing how important it was to her mother, Kelly (only a teenager at the time) took her place after she died. Kelly and her family raised thousands of dollars for the Susan G. Komen fund. Now, Kelly not only runs marathons but she has also helped plan some.
Even though Kelly misses her mother every day, she knows there was a reason for her death. Kelly has learned to value life, always say, “I love you,” and share whatever you are feeling, because you don’t know if this will be the last time you see them.
With every story, Mary’s memory lives on. I feel so honored that Kelly shared this with me and now I can share with all of you.
A quilt made from some of the many marathon t-shirts Mary had from her runs
Mary has a tree in honor of her on the Fox River Trail
I know that Mary would be so proud of the amazing woman Kelly has turned out to be. I am really honored to call her my friend!
Although we never knew her, we can tell what a wonderful person Mary was by the phenomenal spirit of her husband, Jeff, and both of her children. Great photos of such a photogenic gal and such nice tributes to her mom. ;)