Anyone not made of stone will be moved by the story of Londonderry’s Kelley children. And some local ladies decided to do something to help out.
A group of moms of Londonderry Wildcats’ youth football players got together with the mothers of some Derry Demons’ youth gridders at Humphrey Park in Derry last Friday night, Oct. 17, to play a powder puff football contest that raised funds for Londonderry High School freshman Tyla Kelley and her younger siblings Connor and Ryhan, who both attend Londonderry North Elementary School.
The youngsters lost their mom, Michelle, to breast cancer three years ago and their dad, Mike, in early September. They are now living with their grandmother Nancy and step-grandfather James Shamberger in the Londonderry home in which their dad grew up.
The powder puff game – which raised more than $600 – was one of a number of fundraising events designed to help the Kelley kids as they transition into life with their grandparents. A YouCaring fund has also been established and approximately $15,000 has been raised through that thus far.
The Derry moms wound up collecting a 7-0 win in the fun powder puff contest, but the bottom line on the evening was helping a local family that has dealt with tragedy over the last three years.
“What we’re planning to do with the money is finish our unfinished basement so there’s more room for the kids,” said Nancy Shamberger, who has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support she and her grandchildren have received.
“It has just been amazing the way this town and this community have come out to support this family and these kids,” she said. “I’m so happy we stayed here in Londonderry.”
Anyone wishing to help the Kelley kids’ cause can do so by going to www.YouCaring.com.