In August 2024, Kelly was pregnant with her first baby when she found a lump that hadn't been there just weeks earlier. Like many first-time moms would, she hoped it was simply part of pregnancy. But at a routine checkup, she brought it up to her care team and further testing revealed the unimaginable: stage 3 aggressive breast cancer that had already began to spread to her lymph nodes.
Just days later, Kelly delivered her son at 36 weeks and immediately began a complex treatment journey: 25+ rounds of chemo, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, physical therapy and more – all while learning how to be a new mom.
Through every scan, every appointment and every unknown, Kelly says the compassion she found at Aurora Health Care made all the difference. From her initial IVF journey prior to her cancer diagnosis, to pregnancy to cancer treatment, her care teams became like family. She remembers moments like her breast surgeon, Dr. Nicole Zaremba, coming straight from operating to answer questions while Kelly recovered after giving birth. Throughout everything, she never felt alone.
Today, Kelly is still moving forward with strength and determination. She remains on immunotherapy, which she will complete this summer and will continue endocrine therapy for at least 7 years. This fall, she will undergo stage 2 breast reconstruction surgery. Her journey isn't over – but she's facing every step with courage and grace.
Aurora Health Care recently hosted its annual Pink Out Mother's Day game with the Milwaukee Brewers, where Kelly took the field as the 2026 MLB Honorary Bat Girl and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
"When I began this cancer journey 17 months ago, I didn't want any spotlight...I just wanted normalcy. But I can't rewrite this chapter. So, I turned a 'no thanks' into a 'why not.' Moments like this remind me how far I've come."
Kelly also shares this message for anyone facing breast cancer: "You are so much stronger than you think. But remember to lean on the people around you, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself the grace to not be okay some days. Take the nap, take a moment to yourself, take a little because you're giving a lot right now."
How you can help
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