I am so proud of Kelsey.  I was one of the four women who along with Kelsey’s mother, Karen, co-founded METAvivor, a 501(c)(3) non-profit for metastatic breast cancer.  Karen was a tremendous woman, whom I greatly admired and tremendously miss.  I can’t imagine how difficult it was for Kelsey to lose her mother at such a young age, especially because this was, and is, such a very close family.  But showing that she had inherited her mother’s tremendous strength of mind, Kelsey pushed ahead and has been very successful in the process. 

We are delighted to have Kelsey on the METAvivor team, where she is currently in charge of a significant gallery event planned for January in Washington DC.  As smart and talented as she is vivacious and beautiful, I know Karen is incredibly proud of Kelsey.  METAvivor is extremely fortunate to have her on its team!

Thanks so much for sharing your story Kelsey! I’ve lost a couple family members to cancer but never someone so close. It is awesome to hear that you are carrying on with METAvivor & seem to be an incredibly strong lady. You are an inspiration so keep at it!

My Aunt passed away 5 years ago today from breast cancer that metastasized to her bones, liver, and brain.  Your story touched me.  Thank you for sharing; I will be thinking of your mom and my Aunt today.

Kelsey, my story is just like yours , I lost my mom at 23 and she was 54 , so I relate to your experience. That was 10 years ago, the memories are still there but now im advocate in the fight and awareness of breast cancer. Thanks for sharing your story and keep the good work. im sure your mom is very proud of you 

You are honoring your Mother, Kelsey so courageously. My mother may be facing the end of her life, if she does not receive a new liver. I am trying to prepare myself if that is the result. Thank you for marching on and showing life, after losing your “biggest cheerleader” God Bless

Thank you for sharing your story. Very well said, your Mom would be proud. I lost my Mom this time last year to metastatic breast cancer. She was 58 so I know exactly how you feel. Like you, I strive to keep living my dreams and do things to make her proud and have found outlets through my own organizations. I will have to check out METAvivor. I’m originally from Baltimore. Best wishes on your continued journey. 

Kelsey,
Your mother is so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your heartbreak and your determination to turn sadness into triumph.
Here’s a little encouragement to keep fighting and surviving:

http://prettylittlesnippets.blogspot.com/2012/10/encouragement-to-those-wearing-pink.html

I’m very sorry for your loss. You will indeed spend the rest of your life loving her, thinking about her, discovering bits of her in you and striving to make her proud. 

Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of advice she gave you. It’s quite profound when you really stop to think about it isn’t it?

Though I haven’t seen Kelsey in ages, my daughter basically lived at her house with Kelsey’s family for years!! The two girls were connected at the hip. Everytime I would pick my daughter up, Karen and I would chatter away like life long friends!! Karen was a very special lady who loved life and most importantly her girls and husband!! I know Karne is in heaven looking down at Kelsey, her sister and husband with a huge smile at the legacy she started!! Love you! Anne

I lost my mom when I was 30 years older than you were,Kelsey, but I would have phrased it exactly the same way you did - I was ONLY 52.  Had I been 92, it would not have been enough time to have her here with me.  The measure of a person is how she reacts to the adversity she encounters in her life.  Your mother faced the ultimate test of courage head on and in a constructive manner.  She chose to spend the precious little time she had left on this earth promoting awareness for others coming behind her.  Your personal loss is among the very worst.  Advancing your mother’s cause is a fitting way to pay tribute to the person she was, and the part of her that lives on in you and your family.  I have no doubt METAvivor will accomplish great feats with young and passionate women such as yourself working to leave behind their own legacies.  My fervent hope is that there comes a time when your organization is no longer necessary.  Until then, make your voice heard and move forward knowing you do so with the purest of hearts and best of intentions, doing so only to benefit other beautiful women like your very own mother. 

Kelsey,
You captured the essence of your mom.  She was a truly exceptional woman.  She was always proud of you…and, I believe, still is.
Eleanor Strietman