Kellisa's Path, with Egypt: 2012 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Friday, May 29, 2026

2012 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

After three surgeries in 2011, Kellisa was able to go another year without a surgery.

We started the year off on the 1st of January with a day trip to the Okefenokee Swamp followed by a few local hikes, and Kellisa's first driving lesson in a golf cart.

Top Left- Chasing Egypt (Okefenokee Swamp) Top Right- Julington-Durbin, Jacksonville, FL Bottom- Golf cart driving lessons, Peace River, FL

Manatee Viewing Center (January)

Everglades National Park with Egypt (February)

After finishing three Bataan Memorial Death Marches, I knew I was ready to attempt the 26.1-mile course with Kellisa. We flew out to New Mexico a week early for a few last-minute training hikes (Franklin Mountains (Below Left), White Sands (Below Middle), and Bosque del Apache (Below Right).

We completed 20 miles of the 2012 Bataan Memorial Death March. It was very sunny and hotter than usual with temperatures in the high 90s. The combination of intense sun and high heat lead to an increased risk in seizures with Kellisa. I was keeping her well hydrated and she wanted to continue, but the risk did not seem worth pushing on for the final 6.2 miles. I know we could have finished, but I also know that I made the correct decision despite Kellisa begging more, both with her words and sign language.

My future Bataan Memorial Death March Partner?

Above Left- At the beach enjoying the winds associated with Tropical Storm Beryl. Above Right- Who knew we would probably be safer at the beach? We returned home to find a tree that had narrowly missed landing on our house.

Kellisa played another game at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

July 31st- Kellisa's first haircut at age 13, if you don't count head shaving for shunt surgeries.

Egypt was now a fan of The Wiggles, and we went to see the final tour with the original members in Jacksonville. We had front row seats off to the side of the stage and both girls sang and danced to every song. We were the last ones out of the theater because of the wheelchair. As soon as we exited the theater, we met two of The Wiggles who were walking to their tour bus. They were kind enough to stop and talk to us for a few minutes before posing for pictures. This was one of the rare occasions when being last was a good thing.

Mammoth Cave National Park (September)

The Wiggles added a second leg to their successful North American tour, this time across Canada. I never needed a reason to travel to the Northwoods, and the girls had such an amazing time, I bought four tickets to their October concert in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. We had VIP tickets in the second row. I read rumors online that holders of VIP tickets in Canada were able to meet The Wiggles before the concert. I was unable to confirm the rumor and decided to email the arena to see if they knew. After a series of emails and learning that we traveled all the way from Florida for the concert, the arena management arranged for us to spend some time with The Wiggles before their concert.

We were able to spend a little time hiking and sightseeing around Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario before and after The Wiggles concert.

Top Left- Locks Bottom Left- Waterfall along Lake Superior's north shore Right- Tahquamenon Falls Bottom Middle- Lake Superior's North Shore

The high from our trip was short lived. Less than a month later, Kellisa had some routine blood work done. Her doctor called and told us that some of the results indicated that Kellisa most likely had renal cancer, but further tests were required. It felt like we had another ton of bricks on our already overloaded shoulders. After the initial shock, we quickly learned from a Google search that people with renal cancer had a 5% chance to survive five years. We were devastated.

The next couple of weeks were a daze as they were filled with additional tests and doctor’s appointments. I spent every possible second with Kellisa, enjoying local trails or just snuggling her while she watched The Wiggles and Hannah Montana DVDs.