Kasey is forever in our hearts
DESPITE mourning the loss of one of its bravest residents, the community of Tallaght is this week remembering and celebrating the inspirational and courageous life of little Kasey Kelly.
Kasey Kelly, from Tymon North, passed away last Thursday (April 30) following three years of treatment for a rare form of brain cancer called AT-RT [Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour] – a type of brain tumour which was linked to Kasey’s spine.
In January 2012, Kasey’s family first appeared in The Echo in an attempt to garner support from the community to help pay for specialist treatment in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston – where Kasey passed away last week at the age of four.
Kasey’s journey captured the hearts and spirit of the entire community, with individuals, schools, community groups, sports club and many more nationally joining forces to raise, in the region of, €500,000 for Kasey’s trust fund.
Described by family as a “beautiful little girl with a quick wit”, Kasey’s courageous battle sadly ended last Thursday, after her condition took a turn for the worst.
Kasey’s mam Michelle Kelly told The Echo: “Kasey was our little princess.
“She showed such courage and strength throughout her battle with cancer and we are so proud of her.
“She will be deeply missed by her mam and dad, family and friends.
“She will always be forever in our hearts.”
Michelle said that her daughter always had the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face, even on her most challenging days, and that she won the hearts of all who cared for her in Boston – with Kasey receiving constant comfort from her two favourite teddies, Elmo and Ernie.
“We would like to thank Dr Susan and all of her team and the staff and nurses of the Boston Children’s Hospital who looked after Kasey so well over the last three years,” Michelle said.
“We would also like to thank all of the charities and foundations in Boston and Ireland who generously donated and supported the Kare4Kasey Trust Fund.
“Lastly, we would like to thank all of our extended family, neighbours, friends and all those who generously donated and contributed to Kasey’s care.”
Little Kasey Kelly may have passed on but her memory and light is still shining bright in the hearts of the Tallaght community, the members of which let off hundreds of Chinese lanterns float away in Kasey’s memory last Friday night.
Kasey is expected to be brought home to Tallaght by the weekend.
A funeral mass will be held in the Holy Spirit Church in Greenhills this Tuesday, May 12, at 11.30am before Kasey is brought to Newlands Cross.