Peachtree – Folks gathered at the Peachtree Fire Department on July 26 to rally around and support local resident Kelly Smith, who is battling several types of cancer.
In 2010, Smith’s difficult journey began with a bowel obstruction, when it was discovered that she had colon cancer. She went through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, thinking she had beaten it.
However, in 2021, Smith noticed she just wasn’t feeling well, and the whites of her eyes were yellow.
“I knew something wasn’t right,” she said.
After a number of tests it was discovered she had a mass on her liver – the previous colon cancer had spread. The mass was the size of a golf ball.
As if cancer wasn’t bad enough, Smith then developed diabetes.
“That’s a struggle right there, a real struggle,” she said with a sigh.
Last August, Smith noticed a small brown mole, and after a visit to her dermatologist she was informed that she had the skin cancer melanoma. She was treated, but it returned and is inoperable. She has stage 4 advanced cancer, and it continues to grow.
Smith has had to take a medical leave of absence from her job of working with disadvantaged people with disabilities.
The benefit offered folks live music, food, games and raffles. There was also an hourly cakewalk game that was entertaining to onlookers. A silent auction gave attendees an opportunity to bid on items like gift certificates, various household items, a children’s pool, a fire pit ring and more.
Fun snacks for kids included popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones. There was also a bounce house to keep children entertained. All proceeds went directly to Smith.
About seeing folks come out for a benefit in her honor, she said, “Oh my gosh, it’s humbling. When you get to a point in your life and you’re down and depressed, you want to keep your head up. This lets me know that there are still good people in the world. This is my community, I’ve grown up here all my life.”
Smith’s happy place in her world of doctor appointments, difficult diagnoses, pain and sadness is the road.
“I like to take car rides,” she said.
Smith is not only dealing with her own medical issues but also cares for her husband, who is in stage 4 of Alzheimer’s disease.
“That’s been difficult on me, too, but we’re gonna make it, we’re gonna get through this,” she said with hope in her voice. “I have faith in God. He’s walked every mile with me.”
Smith’s advice to others struggling with great battles is, “When you get depressed I hope you have somebody to talk to, there’s always somebody to talk to. Have a good or best friend.
“I go to my best friend, Shirley Cunningham. I’m 59, and we became good friend at 18 years old. Nothing has ever come between me and Shirley, she’s a good one.”
Cunningham loves her friend, saying, “She’s a fighter and hasn’t given up. She’s always kept it together. God knows I need my bestie, she’s my heart.”
One of Cunningham’s fondest memories of her friendship with Smith is “watching our boys grow up together, and her being there for me during the hardest parts in my life,” she said.
Want to help?
- Donations to the Kelly Smith Benefit can be made at United Community Bank in Murphy.