Kelly Moore: Eleven Who Care Winner
By Rena Sarigianopoulos
KARE11.com
When Ms. Moore talks, her third-grade students at Rice Elementary in Lino Lakes listen. Today’s lesson is something Kelly Moore knows something about, in fact, you could even call her an expert. She’s teaching the kids what it means to volunteer and she’s doing it leading by example.
Kelly Moore is a Lino Lakes School teacher, cable tv music host, former Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader and more importantly a breast cancer survivor.
The folks at St. John’s Health East Breast Center know exactly how dedicated Kelly is to volunteering. She raised the money to buy a much-needed second ultrasound machine, meaning women no longer have to wait days to get their results.
“To be able to do that and to have someone that cares that much about the Breast Center at St. Johns is just incredible,” says Anita Eicher, Director of the center.
Kelly cares so much because she feels connected to the place.
“The doctor came in and handed me a folder and I looked down and it said breast cancer. I remember being stunned,” says Kelly of her diagnosis.
That was 2002. Kelly is now cancer-free, but she hasn’t stopped fighting.
“I know so many different people,” she says, “that together we can make a difference.”
And she has. Kelly started a charity called Treasured Chests. She has organized several fundraisers including a runway show, golf tournament and even a family fun day to get the students involved. All the money has gone to help breast cancer patients.
Kelly is quick to deflect the credit, saying she merely provides the platform for others to get involved. Winning the Eleven who Care Award is something she describes as “humbling”.
“This represents so many people that you can’t see. It describes the kids, the eight and nine-year-olds that are four-foot-two and making a difference. And, no on knows their faces or names, but I do,” says Kelly while fighting back tears.
Kelly’s life lessons extend far beyond the classroom. But, thank goodness they start there.
