We often associate serious illness with obvious, dramatic symptoms, but for 18-year-old Kelly Mullooly, the first sign was subtle and easy to dismiss. An active cheerleader and gym-goer, Kelly first felt an unusual pain after a workout. While she was used to soreness, this was different—it lingered for weeks and felt “off,” particularly when she was trying to rest at night.
When a doctor initially told her she was just “overworked,” Kelly tried to believe it. After all, she could still walk and practice cheerleading. But a quiet voice inside urged her not to ignore what her body was telling her. She returned for more tests, a decision that ultimately saved her life. An MRI revealed a tumor, and she was soon diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer.
Facing chemotherapy and major surgery at such a young age was terrifying, but Kelly confronted her treatment with the same determination she applied to her athletics. Her story is a powerful reminder that you are the expert on your own body. Persistent pain, even if it seems minor or is dismissed by others, deserves attention and investigation. Kelly’s advocacy for her own health was her first and most crucial step on the path to diagnosis and treatment.
