“I’m a survivor—a living example of what people can go through and survive” (Elizabeth Taylor).
Chrissy Kelly is a strong example of what a survivor is. She has worked in Quitman School District for 23 years and teaches the second and sixth grade gifted classes.
“In the gifted classroom, I help challenge the students by teaching them the Latin language, chess, coding, robotics, and more,” said Chrissy Kelly.
Her help in the district goes beyond her classroom, though. Mrs. Kelly has two sons, Hunter and Logan. Although Hunter is a senior at MSU, Logan is a senior at Quitman High School and a member of the Big Blue Crew. Mrs. Kelly helps out tremendously with the Big Blue Crew by being the Vice President of the Big Blue Crew Band Boosters. She is also a member of Quitman School District’s Imagination Library.
A busy schedule isn’t what makes Mrs. Kelly a survivor though. Chrissy Kelly is a survivor because she has beaten breast cancer.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago at the age of 40,” recalls Mrs. Kelly. “I went for my very first mammogram and was in complete shock. I had no family history or symptoms of the disease.”
Thanks to going to her annual appointment, she learned that she had stage one cancer. She decided when she heard what the diagnosis was that she would fight the cancer. Mrs. Kelly underwent different treatments: surgery, chemo therapy, and radiation. Her battle was successful.
“By the grace of God, I am a survivor,” explained Mrs. Kelly. “I am thankful everyday that I get to spend more time with my husband, children, family, and students. I don’t take anything for granted as I may have before, and I am more thankful.”
After her experience and hard-fought journey, Mrs. Kelly advises everyone to “Always be proactive in your healthcare. Don’t put off your annual exams and tests. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chance of survival is.”
She encourages doing monthly self-checks on top of making it to all doctor appointments for annual checkups. Her testimony has helped make a difference in the lives of those around her.
Outside of her wise advice on keeping up with annual doctor exams, Mrs. Kelly had one more piece of advice for everyone.
“You have been created by God in order that you might make a difference,” stated Mrs. Kelly. “Be that person that will make a difference in someone’s life.”
