Meet the Models, New England: Janis Kelly

Leading up to Janis Kelly’s breast cancer diagnosis, her family had faced significant hardship, including losing her brother-in-law to ALS. It’s why, when a mammogram led to a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, she felt immense guilt breaking the news to her loved ones. She remains extremely grateful for their support, noting especially the efforts of her sister, who drove nearly two hours to attend every appointment with her. 

Janis faced a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation- all of which continue to have lasting side effects nearly a year on. Particularly difficult was the complication of her diagnosis during COVID. It meant she had to be far more careful around her family and grandchildren. For Janis, the efforts her family took to still be present during her battle make her emotional: “On Easter, they all took COVID tests and cooked all my favorite foods. I could barely eat, but how sweet it was of them.” 

After seeing a friend pass from breast cancer, Janis adopted the attitude that she would fight at all costs. It’s why she remains so positive, even noting that cancer made her better in so many ways. Today, she eats a balanced diet and looks forward to her water intake: “I tell my husband every morning, ‘have I told you how much I love my Propel,’ whereas before, I never even drank water.” Her newfound health has meant she has been able to keep up with her grandkids, even playing football with them in the backyard. It has also meant she can get back to what she loves, which is family trips. Whether to St. Thomas or to see Tom Brady’s last game, she is ecstatic to be here experiencing it all with her family: “It sounds crazy, but I feel better now than I did before the cancer.” 

Janis’ infectious positivity means she accepts her neuropathy (a side effect of chemo) will likely prevent her from slipping on a pair of her beloved heels to dance down the runway, but it certainly won’t keep her from lighting up the stage.