Rally for Kelly Nelson: Aid Her MS Journey

Those immersed in Portland’s thriving service Industry know that our waters run deep. We are not only an industry, but a community. And for those who know Kelly Nelson, they are well aware of how integrally she is woven into the fabric of our community.

While Kelly has assumed so many different roles within her 15+ years of experience, one can’t help but notice that her passion and respect for all things local, epicurean, & delicious has never wavered. She is a champion of small businesses and as a team member she is committed to making every guest’s experience a memorable one. If you know her personally, you know that Kelly is a pillar of strength with an overly generous heart. You would also know how difficult it is for someone like Kelly to ask for help; which is why we’re asking for her.

After attempting to treat an incessant numbing in her left arm for 5 months, in April of this year Kelly lost eyesight in her left eye. If that wasn’t alarming enough, she began experiencing buzzing waves of body pain in succession with her eyesight loss. Determined to uncover the cause of her painful symptoms, Kelly diligently went to countless Doctors’ appointments trying to find answers. In the meantime, the stress and acute anxiety of the unknown caused her to have many sleepless nights & oppressive fatigue; making her job increasingly difficult. Ultimately, on June 9th Kelly received the news of her diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis. It was a crushing blow.

Anyone who has had to shoulder the weight of a chronic illness diagnosis knows that your life is immediately put on hold. Kelly not only has had to make drastic shifts in her vivacious lifestyle, but she has also pushed back her wedding plans, and lost an enormous amount of work due to physical pain and the mental anguish of accepting her new reality. Simple joys such as getting a dog have been tabled until she and the doctors have a firmer grasp of what this diagnosis means for her.

The resources collected via this GoFundMe will go towards her mounting medical debt, and ultimately allowing Kelly to take some much needed time away from work to begin her medical journey and assess what the future holds for her. Those close to Kelly know she is grieving the loss of her former self. That process is painful enough without the stress and worry of financial burden. We’re hoping this GoFundMe can alleviate some of that burden and offer the opportunity for grace as Kelly enters this new chapter of her life

If any community is capable of coming together for our friends in need of assistance, it’s this one. Kelly would do the same for us. Thank you everyone in advance for any help you are able to give. Your kindness is appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Sincerely,

The Friends and Colleagues of Kelly Nelson