A grieving mother is determined to raise awareness about the early signs of cancer that her daughter experienced.
Megan Kelly, who tragically passed away from Ewing sarcoma in December 2020, was diagnosed with this form of cancer that originates in the bones and surrounding soft tissue, as noted by Mayo Clinic.
At just 18 years old, Megan was given a prognosis that offered a mere 30 percent chance of surviving beyond five years, but she succumbed to the disease in just 18 months.
Following Megan’s heartbreaking death, her loved ones established a charity named Megan’s Rose of Hope. This organization is dedicated to spreading awareness about cancer and offering support to young individuals facing the disease.
Her mother, Jane, recently shared Megan’s journey in an editorial for The Institute of Cancer Research.
Megan first began experiencing health issues at age 16.
“It began with a virus that lasted over three weeks, she could not shake it off,” Jane explained.
“This was followed by virus after virus, along with constant urine infections. She missed so much school due to ill health that by Easter 2018, she was asked to leave.
“By this point, I was concerned. Megan had had more visits to the GP, walk-in clinic and A&E than my other two children combined. Over a period of months, she was diagnosed with glandular fever, scarlet fever and urine infections. With school no longer an option, she started a part-time job, but she continued to feel unwell, lacking energy and losing direction.”
Jane shared that she had an instinctive feeling that something was gravely wrong with Megan, especially since she herself had battled cancer at the age of 32 and experienced a year-long wait for a proper diagnosis.
In 2019, Megan’s health deteriorated further, prompting another doctor’s visit.
“By now, Megan was 18, so she went to the GP by herself,” Jane recounted. “She called me to say that the doctor had examined her stomach, and after doing so had asked Megan to phone me immediately so I could come to the surgery. She would not tell Megan what was wrong. When I went back with Megan, the doctor explained that she could feel a mass on Megan’s kidney and that she suspected cancer.”
Following extensive tests and imaging, Megan was found to have stage 4 soft cell Ewing sarcoma, which doctors believed had been present for two years.
If these issues resonate with your personal experience and you seek confidential support, reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or their live chat feature, available around the clock every day.