An 18-year-old cheerleader has revealed the distress she experienced prior to visiting the doctor, which led to her cancer diagnosis.
Kelly Mullooly shared her journey of being diagnosed with a form of bone cancer at just 18, despite leading a healthy and active life.
Kelly recounted her experience in a video featured on The Patient Story YouTube channel, a platform aimed at sharing cancer survivor stories.
As a college student, Kelly actively engaged in cheerleading practice twice a week and frequented the gym as part of her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Describing how her health concerns emerged, Kelly recalled feeling unusual following a gym workout.
She explained, “I was doing legs one day at the gym and like, I always get pretty sore from legs but I noticed like, a few days had passed and I was still, like very sore and I noticed my knee just feel a little bit off.
“It wasn’t until like a few weeks had passed and I was still just having… like it wasn’t a constant, it was like an on and off pain, like mainly when I was like laying in bed.”
Despite hoping for improvement, Kelly’s discomfort lingered for several weeks, prompting her to consult a physician. Initially, it was determined that her knee was merely ‘overworked and overused’.
Doctors dismissed it as nothing to worry about, and although Kelly feared something more serious, she reassured herself it couldn’t be significant as she remained capable of walking and participating in cheerleading.
However, the persistent pain led Kelly to seek further medical insight.
Following additional examinations and an MRI scan, it was discovered she had a tumor, a revelation she faced alone and at the young age of 18.
Subsequently, Kelly was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of aggressive bone cancer.
Kelly began undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments to address the tumor, expressing that her aspirations for the future felt uncertain.
She later underwent surgery to remove the tumor and found encouragement in her resilience.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Kelly and her family in managing the financial challenges associated with her recovery and well-being.