Kelly may be gone, but James needs your support

Hi, It's Peggy Buthorn-Knipp, Kelly's cousin. As many of you know, Kelly has been battling Metastatic, Triple negative breast cancer for 2 years. The battle has been very difficult, however Kelly has fought like a true warrior. Believe it or not, Kelly found her lump during a routine self exam, December 2021. She immediately had it looked at, which led to a double mastectomy, Feb. 16, 2022. After complications following surgery, Kelly bravely started chemo and radiation. It was endless. She fought hard only to be told, the treatments didn't work and she'd require additional treatments. The 2nd and 3rd round of chemo and radiation didn't work. Doctors told us she could have any where from 6 months to 18 months, to 2 years, to 5 years. The chemo at this stage was not going to cure the cancer, but prolong her life, giving her more time with her 10 year old son, James.

On Jan. 19, 2024, Kelly started her 4th round of chemo, after 3 aggressive radiation treatments, as the cancer had now severely affected her spine and liver. Still being strong, assuring her son and all of us around her, she was going to continue to fight. Three days later Kelly was found on the floor by her roommate/aide, Jessica. She was admitted to Staten Island University Hospital and after a day of testing, we learned the cancer was now affecting most of her brain. We were shocked as 3 months prior, she had an MRI of the brain which was normal. The main portion of the cancer in the brain was attacking the area controlling her speech and cognitive ability. For 24 hours she couldn't speak until the steroids and anti seizure meds started to work and then Kelly was able to communicate to a degree.

James, her son, is an extremely smart, strong, loving, compassionate 10 year old boy who loves his mom so very much. He is the light of Kelly's eyes and the only reason she has fought this hard. James is a child with some special needs and has really been through the gambit with his mom's multiple illnesses through out his 10 short years. When we had to tell him about his mom's condition 10 days ago, he was obviously heart broken and only wanted his mom to be here forever. He has definitely had moments of anger, grief, confusion, and compassion, but he has a village around him who will love and support him for his entire life. We will make sure Kelly's memory will live forever in his heart and soul.

Fast forward to 2 weeks, we have placed her in hospice, she's being made comfortable, however according to the MD's her final days are fast approaching.

The reason for this Go Fund Me is because Kelly literally has nothing. She receives a very small check from SSI, has no life insurance, and no savings. Every bit of her money went to taking care of her and James' living expenses, and to make sure James was able to be in karate and have what he needed.

Since Kelly doesn't have any savings for her final arrangements, I am asking for your generosity to help us offset the cost of her services and help with what will be needed to make sure James is taken care of.

Together with the rest of Kelly's family, especially her Mom, sisters, Danielle, Francesca, and Mary, we will be grateful for any amount you could possibly donate. If you cannot donate, perhaps you can share?

We thank you in advance for all of your prayers, thoughts, phone calls, texts, etc.. during the last 2 years, especially in the last 2 weeks. As hard as this has been on all of us, knowing #TeamKelly was there to support in any and all capacity is truly appreciated it.

Thank you!

Best,

Peggy