It’s easy to turn inward when dealing with challenging moments in life. Still, Kelly Hoover, our Victoria Merchandising Supervisor, used her battle with Ovarian Cancer to make a difference in the lives of others. When Kelly was diagnosed on September 15, 2021, she spent lots of time in and out of the hospital and around other cancer patients. From the transportation, hotels, meals, health care, and the rising cost of vital medicines, Kelly was constantly reminded of the financial burden fighting cancer can have on an individual. “I am blessed to work for Heartland Coca-Cola, where they take care of their employees with good health care benefits, but some people I know are not that lucky,” Kelly said.
When our Northern Kansas Hometown began planning a fundraiser in support of National Cancer Awareness Month, Kelly reached out in hopes of using the opportunity to raise money for cancer patients in need of financial assistance and honor and remember the different cancer battles people are going through. Her design evolved as she researched and heard the stories of associates, family members, and friends’ cancer journeys. Ultimately, she made a design representing as many cancer journeys as possible.
- Teal- Ovarian and Cervical Cancer
- Pink- Breast Cancer
- Purple- Esophageal, Pancreatic, Testicular, and Stomach Cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Orange- Leukemia, Kidney Cancer
- Green- Gallbladder & Liver Cancer and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Grey- Brain and Bone Cancer
- Yellow- Childhood Cancer
On March 17, 2022, Kelly finished her last round of Chemotherapy, and six weeks later, she was informed that she was in remission. Kelly is a perfect example of how despite life’s ups and downs, we all can use our stories and experiences to positively impact someone else’s life.
