For My Little Brother Who I Look Up To.
Last year I rode the PMC in honor of Eric Kelly, my brother. This year I'm riding the PMC with him. Because of people like you who donated to Team KellySTRONG. Eric is 6 months in remission. During my time preparing for the ride I was amazed at how many people are affected by this horrible disease. Listening to people's personal experiences with cancer inspired me more and more. Last year Team KellySTRONG raised $20,000. I hope to do the same this year if not double.
This my story,
I'm riding in support and honor of my brother Eric Kelly. Eric , my younger brother has looked up to me since day one and was always motivated to do things I had done. After I finished serving four long years in the United States Marine Corps. Eric decided to follow the traditional footsteps and enlisted in the Marines. Eric always a strong athletic kid had made easy of bootcamp and quickly adapted to the lifestyle. He was assigned to the 2nd Bn 6th Marines out of Camp Lejune N.C. whom he was sent to Afghanistan on a combat deployment for 7 months. Eric returned home January of 2011. Eric had made it home from 7 months of heavy combat and life threatening situations on a daily basis. Along with being exposed to an assortment of hazardous chemicals from burning trash and debris.
Eric had survived one battle only to face another. He had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that attacked the soft tissues in his face. All this news only 12 hrs after my little daughter and Eric's first niece Olivia was born. She was the piece that held everyone together. Eric knew he had to fight extra hard to be there for Olivia who he adored.
While in the hospital Eric fought through weeks of radiation and chemo. Constantly wondering if all the pain and frustration was going to pay off. He looked to me for support and motivation. With not a whole lot I could really do but sit by his side and watch this horrible disease hurt my brother. I quickly became the one who needed to look up to someone. I found myself looking up to my little brother. Watching the determination and courage he had while dealing with a shitty hand of cards was admirable. He kept going and going, each day was a day closer to the end of weeks in the hospital. Before we knew it Eric was home for his birthday and was done with Radiation. Each day would go on with a different step toward victory. He was healing everyday. On December 23rd Eric went in for a scan. The doctors told us great news, There was no evidence of the tumor left. A victory in all our eyes and proof that nothing can come between a mans will to survive.
After witnessing all this I wanted to do something to help others take victory over this horrible battle. While riding in this 192 mile journey. I hope to motivate and keep those motivated as well as raise money to fight this disease.
