Leukemia Patient Raises Money for Children's Hospital Colorado
The News Press
When Noah Kelly was just five-years-old his parents, Gabe and Aimee Kelley, noticed an odd red spot on his stomach. They also began to notice how often the normally energetic Noah quickly became out of breath. Initially, they assumed it must be asthma but soon realized that it was something more. As his symptoms got worse, Noah was rushed to Children's Hospital Colorado at Littleton Adventist Hospital where he underwent several medical tests.
Noah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but was given a good prognosis. If he responded well to chemotherapy treatment, he could enjoy a full recovery.
Soon after returning home, Noah and his mother decided to spearhead a fundraising campaign to benefit cancer research, creating T-shirts with some kid humor. The T-shirts depict a ghost, and underneath is the message: “Boo! I scared cancer!”
Nearly every one at Noah's school bought one of the shirts and wore it during an inspiring pep rally. The money collected — more than $13,000 to date — went to three charities of Noah’s choosing, including Children’s and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Also, Microsoft matched $12,000 of the donations.
Now eight-years-old and just months away from completing his treatment, Noah and his family are looking forward to brighter days ahead. There is only a 5 percent chance that the leukemia could return. The cancer fight has given his parents a new outlook on life.
“The biggest thing we learned is how important it is to be together as a family,” Aimee Kelley said.
Read more about Noah Kelley's battle with leukemia.
Listen to Noah Kelley tell his story during the Alice 105.9 36 Hours for Kids Radiothon.
