Mary Kelly

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. Feel free to use it to keep up with Mary's story and to send messages for her to read as she can.


In February,  Mary Kathryn Kelly turned 60!   She did not want any big to-dos, and has been pleased that some recent acquaintances in the healthcare world have had a hard time believing she is over 50.   She felt and looked good and has the gift to suck the pleasure marrow out of the bone, enjoying her life  with family and friends, at work, and at home with PORKIE!


But in mid-May, Mary felt a pain in her chest that she would normally have ignored, except for the fact that our sister Meghan had recently had a heart event and warned us all to be mindful of a family vulnerability.  So after one bad night, Mary left work and leisurely went to the E.R. The good news:  her heart was fine. Bad news:  there was a 9.5 cm mass on her right lung.


The last few weeks have been busy with all kinds of tests and consultations.  The diagnosis:  small cell lung cancer,  contained to the one mass on her lung.  Today, June 14, Mary started an intensive treatment regimen of chemotherapy and radiation that will continue until mid-August.   In the face of fear, Mary has been her amazing self:  honest, open, resilient.   She has been well cared for by her wonderful family and friends, especially dear sister Bridget and brother Brendan, and son Porkie.   She has a list of people who have offered to ferry her to and from treatment, as they did with tests.


For now, pray, chant, laugh and cry as you think of Mary and what she is going through.  If you'd like to send her a  card or note, her address is 2110 Belaire Dr, Lansing, MI 48910.     Feel free to leave a message -- we will keep this page updated as her treatment progresses.   As you know, Mary has a huge heart and a quick wit which will help keep her going, along with our love and  care.  


Maureen