Brett Kelly Fan Club's Fundraising Page

Brett would have loved nothing more than to support the advancement of cancer research and the care provided at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. All funds donated to this team will go directly to the Brett James Kelly Memorial Fund, which particularly goes to Dana Farber's Center for Neuro-Oncology to advance the research conducted by Dr. Patrick Y. Wen, MD and his incredible team. This is an area of cancer research that hits close to home, and in support of a very dear friend, a cause Brett would undoubtedly have given his all for.

By participating in the 2022 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, our team is making every step count toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer! Thank you for supporting The Brett James Kelly Fund in the Jimmy Fund Walk this year.

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Supporting the Jimmy Fund is the perfect way to celebrate Brett for so many reasons, but the primary reason is the enormous joy he had in caring for others and seeing them happy. Just like the Jimmy Fund, Brett spent his time doing for others- whether it was helping his friends move apartments, cleaning up the dishes at the end of a family meal, making Briana's lunch for work, or simply doing yard work, cleaning a grill or fixing a license plate even when not asked to, it was always a part of what made him special.         

One day, Brett was walking along the Jamaica Pond in Boston when he noticed a young boy walking up a hill with two fishing poles. Without thought, Brett walked up right up to him and offered to carry the poles. The boy was grateful and Brett and Briana continued to walk around the pond. When they looped around, they noticed the boy again. He looked right at Brett and told him he was lost and couldn't find his grandfather. Brett helped keep the boy safe and notified the authorities. It was Brett's natural care and generosity towards others that assured the boy that Brett would help him in a time of need. That is who Brett was, selfless and loving.

The Jimmy Fund is the official charity partner of the Boston Red Sox. There was no bigger Boston sports fan than Brett. He loved going to Fenway to cheer on the Sox with friends, watching the Patriots play on a Sunday in his jersey, or enjoying a Bruins game from the comfort of his couch. (Sometimes on his iPad when Briana wanted to watch Netflix instead). Boston was the perfect home for Brett.

The Jimmy Fund is also a major participant in the Boston Marathon. When Briana and Brett met in 2012, the first day they spent together was from his apartment on Hemenway Ave. in the Back Bay watching the Boston Marathon on TV. It's an event they always cherished together and were able to continue to celebrate through the years, especially when they moved to Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton and got to watch the marathon from the comfort of their roof deck- the same place they got engaged! 

Dana-Farber provides expert, compassionate care to children and adults and is home to groundbreaking cancer discoveries. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community efforts to advance Dana-Farber’s mission.

Thank you for your donation to celebrate Brett's life.