Fundraising skydive to remember little Kasey
By Mary Dennehy
A FUNDRAISING skydive is taking flight on April 30 to remember and celebrate little Kasey Kelly on the first anniversary of her passing – and to raise funds for other sick children and their families.
From Tymon North, Kasey (4) passed away last April 30 after more than three years of treatment for a rare form of brain cancer called ATRT – a type brain tumour which was linked to the little girl’s spine.
Kasey spent three years in Boston bravely receiving specialist treatment, thanks to the donation of more than €500,000 from members of the public to the Kasey Kelly Trust Fund.
Speaking to The Echo, Kasey’s mam Michelle said: “We’ve had hard days since losing Kasey last April, our days seem really long, but we’re just putting one foot in front of the other.
“Kasey keeps us strong and all of the support from people in our community here in Tymon North, who have really rallied around us.
“And we’ll never forget the amazing generosity of the public. Their support gave Kasey a chance and three more special years with her family.”
To mark Kasey’s life, which touched hundreds, a fundraising skydive is being staged on her first anniversary away from home.
Michelle said: “We wanted to celebrate Kasey’s life and are taking to the skies in her memory this April 30 – and raise much needed funds for charity, Cure ATRT.
“Cure ATRT provides hope to childhood cancer families who are battling ATRT, which funds research and better treatment – and we donated the money left in Kasey’s trust fund to this cause.
“There are not many options for families here in Ireland that have a sick child.
“There are however, lots of options abroad but not many families have the cash to make the trip.
“Money is a barrier for families, which is very sad when they know travelling can give their child a chance.
“We were lucky that we got so much support from the public and we want to give something back in Kasey’s name.”
Kasey’s family also donated her tumour and stem cells to research in the hope of discovering better treatment or a cure.
Anybody interesting in jumping for CURE ATRT is invited to contact Michelle through the Kasey Kelly Trust Fund Facebook page or a donation can be made through the cureatrt.com website.
For further details and sponsorship cards email Michelle at michellek117@icloud.com.
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