Help Support Kelly Smith's Battle with Cancer

Kelly Smith, known as Mama Kelly to many, is loved by countless friends, family and especially by her daughter, Annalie.

In May of this year, Kelly was rushed to the ER with severe stomach pain. The tests taken confirmed our worst nightmare, her cancer was back.

The diagnosis: Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.

Unfortunately, Kelly is no stranger to this horrific disease. She has been a warrior since she was first diagnosed with Oral and Thyroid Cancer in 2009. The Oral Cancer came back in 2013 and again in 2015, which led to jaw reconstruction surgery in 2018. Throughout it all, her faith has remained steadfast and her determination to fight is unmatched.

While this is a very aggressive cancer, Kelly is a FORCE and her strength knows no bounds. After many discussions and praying for clarity, the family was led to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Annalie reached out to Kelly’s prior medical oncologist, Dr. Patel (former UNC, now Mayo) and he provided invaluable support while trying to decide the first course of action. It had been years since Dr. Patel had seen Kelly and answered Annalie's desperate email within minutes. Within days they were set up to meet with Dr. Majeed, medical oncologist at Mayo, and had a treatment plan in place.

Kelly, Annalie and son-in-law, Kris made the drive from Charlotte to Jacksonville on May 30th to begin treatment. Chemo is scheduled to start this week and the return back to Charlotte date remains unknown.

As Kelly continues her battle against this aggressive disease, we want to show her and her family our collective love and support. Our goal is to raise funds to help with day to day expenses while staying in Florida, including the cost to stay in Jacksonville (the average Air BnB weekly rental is $3,000), food, travel and medical expenses. While Kelly does have health insurance, the sudden onset of this disease has left the family with many unexpected expenses and I am hoping this will help to alleviate financial stress.

All donations made will go directly to Kelly and her family to help with current and future expenses. Kelly has given so much to others, we hope you'll consider supporting during this difficult time.

In the words of her daughter Annalie, "She recognizes the gravity of what we are up against but is prepared to fight the fight of her life knowing she has an entire army armored up to fight alongside her and especially lifting her up in prayers. To those who feel called, please pray for her. Pray for strength, bravery, grit, peace, hope. Uplift her with affirmation, inspiration, love, prayer, and whatever your heart calls you to share as this fuels her soul and lights the fire in her veins. This will be a hellacious battle, but all we have to say to that is, BRING IT ON."