With a smile that can light up a room, Keely is never happier than when she is singing and dancing to her favorite song, "Call Me Maybe.”

The 5-year-old also loves swimming with her cousin Kelsey, especially jumping in and out of the pool in a life vest. Hair twirling is a favorite activity of Keely's. Since treatment caused her to lose her hair, she'll twirl anyone else’s. Her mom even started wearing her hair down, so Keely could have the comfort of twirling her hair.
 
At 19 months Keely was diagnosed with High-Risk Pre-B acute lymphocytic leukemia. Treatment began immediately at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where she spent 30 days confined to her hospital room. Jeannette, Keely’s mom, is a single mother who works full time and although it was a lot to manage, throughout Keely’s treatment she stayed positive and brave for Keely. Family and friends pitched in to help so Jeanette could continue to work.
 
Keely has proven time and time again how strong she is, which is why her family considers her a superhero. Keely had to be admitted to CHOP 11 times and undergone chemotherapy, countless tests, blood and platelet transfusions and spinal taps.

Keely has been in remission for one year; her last chemo treatment was on July 19, 2013. The Make Wish Foundation and the YMCA in West Chester were able to grant Keely something special since her childhood was placed on hold. Keely was granted a full year of swim lessons and a family membership which included their outdoor swim club. Her family hopes that, with the help of the YMCA and Make a Wish Foundation, Keely will continue to swim and will live a happy, healthy, fun-filled live.


Information provided by Jeanette Wink, Keely’s Mom
Updated: October 2014

Update: as of July 19, 2015, Keely has been cancer free for 2 years!