Mr Kelly's Son for St Jude Children's Hospital

About the phrase:

This Moment Means Everything. While an undergraduate art student I made a small sculpture, on it I had this phrase engraved. For me this phrasestood as a reminderof being present and appreciative of each moment as it comes to you. The sculpture was destroyed a few years ago, but the phrase still resonates with me as it didat themoment of its conception.


About the cause:

In memory of my late father I am raising money to support St Jude Children's Hospital. St Jude's was a charity dear to my father's heart. My father devoted his entire life to helping children and I hope to continue his legacy by supporting St Jude Children's Hospital. My father spent most of his life in service of children. After a few years as a social worker in Trenton, he was a middle school science teacher for over 30 years. During that time he also worked as a juvenile detention officer, a football coach, and a GED instructor, just to name a few of his second/third jobs. His compassion for children was so clear. Outside of the classroom his dedication continued. He stayed for hours after school tutoring children. Sat at a hundred kitchen tables with parents discussing their child's needs. Offered a couch to sleep on to those kicked out of their homes. If ever he saw a questionable bruise he'd walk the child home to make sure they felt safe, and to talk to the parents. He believed in the good inherently inside all children. His mission was the same as St Jude's, give every child a fighting chance. St Jude was my father's favorite charity. When he turned 70, he asked that all his gifts be donations to St Jude. On January 14, 2013 my father passed away, just shy of his 75th birthday. He was my best friend.

To make a donation without receiving a t-shirt or to check on my progress go to warrior.stjude.org/mrkellysson. But why not get a t-shirt out of it!