Kelly Bohnet

I believe in elevating the world by inspiring people to believe in limitless possibility.

Cancer has hit me hard twice in my life twice, both times with the person closest to me--my mother. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in high school, and a few years later was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was a bit young to comprehend everything that was going on, but the most distinct memory of it all was each time she went in for surgeries, wondering if it was going to be the last time I spoke with her. I am grateful to say that my mother is a cancer survivor and now she is healthy and living an amazing life. Looking back, the one thing I regret is being away at college while she was battling the disease. While I wasn’t able to be as present for as I would have liked to have been, I know that today I can still make a difference in the lives of others who are battling cancer.

So here I am now as a Team Endure to Cure athlete and setting out for some rather large and scary goals. In October 2010 I will conquer my fear of endurance running and complete the Chicago Marathon, and then take another step out of my comfort zone and hike Machu Picchu. In 2011, I will complete my first century ride (100 mile bike). And to top it all off, in 2012, I will attempt to stand on the roof of Africa by reaching the summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. I am creating the possibility that every goal that is set is attainable, and that if I do something as simple as sweat once a day, I will inspire others that it is possible to change the lives of kids who are fighting cancer all day, every day.

In the process, I'm teaming up with other Team Endure to Cure athletes to raise $50,000 to fully fund a pediatric cancer survivorship study at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital in 2011. The study will enable a clinical psychologist to research methods to reduce the long-term effects of harsh treatments on pediatric cancer patients. Your donation will directly go towards funding a Masters or PhD-level clinical research psychologist’s salary and this practicioner will be the sole person involved in the study.

So why this is this study important? Many people do not realize that 60% of pediatric cancer patients will suffer long term side effects, often times severe, after they become "survivors." Post-survivorship is a very underfunded and under-examined area of study. This study can have an immediate impact with patients the psychologist examines, and a long-term effect as more data can be used to put new post-survivorship treatment methods into place. Please consider making a difference today!

I cannot do this without your help and support along the way. I will share this journey with you, and remember that no contribution is too small! My mother is an inspiring two-time cancer survivor who has taught me a lot through her own journey and struggles. The greatest thing I learned is that we only have so many days to live our lives. Why wait until it’s too late and you cannot take action? DO IT NOW, set BIG goals and create endless possibilities for your life! In the process, you can become somebody's hero in your own unique way!

Thank you!

Kelly