Kelly Family Remains Strong Despite Trying Times

Despite suffering through a year like few others have seen, the Kelly family had no desire to ask for support or assistance. But on Wednesday, they’ll receive just that from the Wilmington community.

To say it’s been a trying year for this Wilmington family of five would be an understatement. In March, Bob Kelly, a father of three, suffered a stroke that left him unable to work and facing rehabilitation for an undetermined amount of time.

Then, just days later, the family received a second piece of devastating news. Brandon Kelly, Bob’s oldest child, was in an accident that resulted in partial leg amputation only one week after his father’s stroke.

While the two incidents were bad enough news for the family, it didn’t end there. Bob, his wife Monica and Brandon were the principal owners of the family business Advance Sheet Metal Services, but due to each of their struggles they were forced to close the company.

Despite dealing with a list of setbacks in several months that many families may never see in a lifetime, the Kelly family didn’t ask for handouts to help get their lives back on track. But on Wednesday, they may receive a lifeline to help them start moving in the right direction.

Jennifer Earls, who graduated from Wilmington High School in 2004 along with Brandon, and Brenton Thornicroft, a college friend of Brandon’s from the University of Massachusetts, have teamed up to organize a benefit at the Knights of Columbus on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m.

The event is free to the public and includes a DJ, introductory Salsa dance lesson and performance and a magician in addition to a raffle, silent auction and cash bar. Proceeds from the evening will help pay for some of the Kelly family’s mounting medical and household bills.

“They’re not a family that looks for handouts. It took a lot of convincing just to get this event running,” said Thornicroft. “It’s a constant struggle for them. They’ve gotten bad news after bad news, and seen it in such a short time frame. It’s almost like the world has been against them. But they’ve been so resilient and kept such a positive attitude throughout the whole thing that it’s been one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever witnessed in my life.”

Earls said what has amazed her is just how supportive the Wilmington community has been throughout the planning of the benefit.

She and Thornicroft went to businesses throughout town, and nearly every one made a donation of some kind, many exceeding her expectations. In addition, classmate Talia Khan, who runs 7th Wave Restaurant in Rockport, offered catering for the evening and is donating 30 percent of proceeds on Sunday, August 12, to the Kellys.

“These moments are what test our individual strength, and strength as a community and they’re passing with flying colors,” said Earls. “While planning for the event, I have felt incredibly proud to call Wilmington my home. I was truly proud to be a member of this community.”

Both Earls and Thornicroft said they’ve found inspiration from the Kelly family. Just days after he had part of his leg amputated, Brandon was laughing, smiling and joking with his friends.

Earls recalled a trip to visit Bob and Brandon at their home as they were simultaneously recovering. Despite life changing events, it was like nothing had changed in the Kelly home.

“I felt like this could be the bottom of the bottom, and most people could throw in the towel. But they’re not,” said Earls. “If anything, it brought them closer together. It really causes us to take a step back and look at what we do have. Instead of them saying ‘we have nothing,’ they said that they have great family support, and they can move forward.” 

In addition to Wednesday’s event, residents can donate money by visiting a website set up under the name The Kelly Family Fund. According to the website, a total of $4,560 has been raised so far.

For Thornicroft, Wednesday is an important day financially for the family, but it’s also a way to show the Kelly family just how much the Wilmington community is behind them.

“They’re one of the toughest families I have ever met,” said Thornicroft. “Obviously the money is one side of it. But at the end of the day, we want Wednesday to be a day they can look back on and remember with a smile. That lasts a lot longer than any monetary value.”