Kellirae Cox’s trip to the Super Bowl
Alex: Kellirae, how did you enjoy going to the Super Bowl? Can you share what was your favorite or most memorable experience?
Kellirae Cox: The Super Bowl was the most amazing thing that I’ve ever been to. I feel like I’m still in a dream. My favorite part of the Super Bowl is everything, honestly. It was just amazing. I grew up watching football and I was a high school cheerleader all four years, so I’m used to high school football, but seeing what the NFL looks like, it’s just wow! My favorite part would be meeting the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleading team. One of the cheerleaders actually knows sign language. She wants to become an interpreter. Her name is Kesley Rae, which is almost the same as my name!
[Full-screen images and video clips, CREDIT: IG/dream_foundation]
Kellirae: My favorite part was also, during halftime, being able to meet Troy, Justina, and Colin.
[Full-screen images, CREDIT: IG/dream_foundation]
Kellirae: They invited me because they heard about my story and we got to chat for a bit during halftime and that was it. Everything was just a wonderful time.
Alex: I read a cool article and saw a news video — and Instagram posts — of your alma mater CSD Riverside surprising you with a pep rally.
[Video clip, CREDIT: IG/CSDRiverside]
Alex: The stands were packed and there were cheerleaders there to honor and celebrate you. What did that mean to you? To see all that?
Kellirae: It means a lot to me because I now know who is supportive of me. I feel like everyone who supported me was there. To be honest, I thought at first that I was going there only to help cheerleaders practice for a CIF game night. I was fine with doing that but then I realized it was actually a rally and all that. I was like, “Oh, okay!” But it feels really nice that everyone was there and I do have a support system.
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[Video clip, CREDIT: IG/dream_foundation]
Kellirae: I must show my gratitude to the Dream Foundation. They are the ones who provided it, who made it happen. Not many people know what the Dream Foundation is. Most people know about children and their dreams being granted by the Make-A-Wish foundation. That’s for those under age 18. But not everyone realizes that those over 18 can have one as well. The Dream Foundation is a really wonderful foundation that is always there for you, no matter what it is, they will make you feel like you’re family.
Alex: I understand that you have a serious illness, a form of cancer. Can you share your perspective on the time that we have on Earth? The meaning of life, you know? You probably have a deeper perspective. If you can share it with us?
Kellirae: That’s fine. I have melanoma. It is a cancer. Stage 4. I found out around 2021. My perspective has changed. Before, I thought cancer was “nothing,” because I did not experience it. I didn’t see it or touch it. But I realize I have one and I’ve experienced it. So I realize that life is short. So just have your best life. Just do it. Don’t give up regardless of the situation that you are in. Why should you stay there and feel sorry for yourself? Just take opportunities, live your best life, and keep the faith. That’s important.
Alex: Is there anything else? Maybe I have not asked about it?
Kellirae: For those who have devastating news, like cancer or whatever, I want to share this: don’t give up. Have faith in yourself. And if you need help, ask anyone and they will always be there for you. Don’t give up on what you have. Just have the best life.
Alex: Beautiful advice. I really appreciate you sharing.
Kellirae: Thank you! Bye!
Dream Foundation IG: https://www.instagram.com/dream_foundation/
CSD Riverside IG: https://www.instagram.com/CSDRiverside/