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During the two and a half years Greg Kelly's daughter underwent treatment for cancer, he and his wife made sure one of them was always by Charlotte's side to hold her hand.
"It was a very difficult time for all of us, but what helped us get through was the support we received from family, friends, neighbors and my colleagues at BWH," said Greg Kelly, BSN, RN, a nurse in the BWH Electrophysiology lab.
Charlotte received her radiation treatments at BWH, and the Kellys were thankful for the incredibly compassionate care that BWH Radiation Oncology staff provided to their daughter.
Charlotte passed away in December 2011 at the age of five, and, soon after, the Kellys sought to channel their grief into something positive. They founded "Prayers for Charlotte," a nonprofit organization that has raised nearly $100,000 to support families of children with cancer. The organization also funds research of neuroblastoma-an aggressive form of cancer associated with the nerve cells and adrenal glands.
This type of cancer, which most commonly occurs in infants and young children, is rare, and its cause is unknown. Fewer than 700 cases are reported each year in the U.S. As such, it is left largely to families of neuroblastoma patients to raise awareness and financial support for other families, Kelly said.
Most of the organization's funds have been raised through the annual "Run for Charlotte" in Braintree, which includes 10K, 5K, youth and wheelchair races and a 5K walk.
"It's a day filled with celebration," said Kelly. "We celebrate Charlotte's life and the courage she displayed, despite enduring rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and stem-cell transplants."
It's also a day for the Kellys to celebrate with their Brigham family; nearly 150 BWHers who work with Kelly or cared for Charlotte participate in the race.
This year's race will take place April 7, at 10 a.m., at 703 Granite St., in Braintree. There will be live music, food and activities for children.
For more information, visit www.prayersforcharlotte.org.