Kelly Randel was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer in March 2019 after finding a lump when getting out of the shower. She was just 24 years old.
“We got the devastating news just two weeks after I learned I had inherited the BRCA1 gene mutation, which runs on my side of the family,” explained Kelly’s mom, Karen. “Kelly hadn’t been tested yet because it’s not typically done until age 25. But she took the test after her diagnosis and learned she also had the mutation.”
The BRCA1 gene mutation is associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Kelly’s cancer was aggressive, and she immediately began treatment at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
“Kelly adored her oncologist, Dr. Anna Katz. Her journey was so much easier with Dr. Katz at her side. Even when Kelly moved on to chemotherapy, Dr. Katz would visit her to see how she was doing.”
At her first chemotherapy appointment, Kelly was given a list of day-to-day items she would need to make treatment more comfortable.
“We were at Target running around trying to find all these items, when Kelly said, ‘This is crazy that we have to do this right after the first chemo session.’ And that’s when she came up with the idea of ‘Baskets for Breasties,’” shared Karen.
“She wanted to create gift baskets full of useful items and donate them for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. She didn’t want them to have to deal with shopping on top of a scary diagnosis.”
Kelly had eight rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy and many weeks of radiation. Throughout her treatment, Kelly and her family put more than 100 gift baskets together, filling them with necessary items like Biotene, lotion, hand sanitizer, pill boxes and lip balm. They added comfort items like fuzzy socks and blankets, plus activity and puzzle books for entertainment during the long appointments. They donated the baskets to Advocate Lutheran General.
“It brought her so much joy to be able to donate these baskets,” said Karen. “It kept her busy, and she loved to shop. It was perfect for her.”
When Kelly finished treatment in November, she was considered cancer-free.
“The radiation was just precautionary. There weren’t any cancer cells in her lymph nodes. Her scans were all clear.”
But in the spring of 2020, Kelly began experiencing migraines. The cancer had metastasized to her brain and bones.
“She was put on chemo pills for a few months, but then they stopped working and the cancer spread even further. Then she tried a chemo drip. She only had a couple of sessions before her platelets were too low to continue.”
After a 21-month battle, Kelly passed away on Dec. 4, 2020. She was 26 years old.
Honoring her memory
Karen and her family started the Kelly Randel Foundation to honor Kelly’s life and continue her mission to help those fighting breast cancer.
“Despite going through her difficult journey, Kelly thought about helping others instead of herself,” shared Karen. “Now our family will carry on her vision.”
To date, the foundation has donated more than 500 gift baskets to four Advocate hospitals: Advocate Lutheran General, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center.
Karen hopes to expand to more hospitals in the future.
“I don’t want anyone to ever forget her. And I want people to know that these baskets are from her. It was her idea; we’re just the messengers. She suffered so much. I don’t want anyone else to go through that.”
How you can help
According to the CDC, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Advocate Health’s cancer programs and services are supported by the generosity of donors like Karen and her family. Make a gift today or learn how you can support the Kelly Randel Foundation.
“Kelly was an awesome kid. She loved to shop, decorate her room and play games. Family was important to her, and she loved her dog, Rizzo,” said Karen. “She would be so happy knowing we’re doing our best to help breast cancer patients and make their lives just a little easier.”