Ashley Hellett is a high school teacher, avid soccer and rugby fan, and an advocate for children with cancer. A year ago, when our community and rugby family lost the Amazing Kate Amato to childhood cancer, Ashley decided she needed to step up and help more families affected by this heart wrenching diagnosis to keep Kate’s legacy alive.
Mrs. Hellett reached out to an organization called V for Victory, where they help people and their families battling cancer while the families get to focus on their children. V for Victory was started by one of the owners of V’s Pizza after his son was diagnosed with cancer.
While working with the organization, Ashley asked what she could do to help families have a better Christmas this year. It was at this point that she met Kadesh and his family! The following is what Ashley had to say about Kadesh when asked how to promote his cause:
“Strength, prayer, and family. These words are defined by the Ellison family.
The Ellison family have 7 wonderful children, Salah Hope age 9, Kadesh Levi age 8, Hadassah Ruth age 6, Judah Zamar Age 4, Anotole’ Joy 3, Le’ona Lea 1, and Shiloah Noel who is a newborn.
Kadesh is described as a smart, athletic, kind, loving, and respectful boy. On January 4, 2017, his life changed forever. It was his mother’s birthday and she heard the words that every parent dreads from their pediatrician: “Your son Kadesh has been diagnosed with cancer. He has AML-M4.” This type of cancer affects the bone marrow and the blood. With the strength that this family has in the Lord, they prepared to fight this monster head on. Since January, he has had 4 rounds of Chemo and a Bone Marrow Transplant from one of his sisters. Unfortunately, his body rejected the bone marrow transplant.
Even through this battle, he has kept his faith in the Lord and has strengthen his relationship with Him. Kadesh is the true definition of a warrior. Through the ups and downs, he has fought hard. This little warrior is a true hero. No child should endure what he has.”
As a part of Ashley’s rugby family, we want to help her achieve her goal to provide Kadesh and his family with a better Christmas this year. On December 16th, the Jacksonville Rugby teams will have a 50/50 raffle, with a donation going to Kadesh. If you would like to join in on the fun and fundraising, please come to Culhane’s Irish pub, starting at 7pm. The raffle will be drawn at 8:30 pm. If you would like to make a donation to the Ellison family or to the raffle, please send us a message on Facebook or email us at melissa@jaxwomensrugby.com. The Ellison’s also have a Go Fund Me page set up for Kadesh!
https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-ellison-family
The Jacksonville Women’s Rugby club is excited for the Fall 2019 Season opener on October 12th versus the University of Florida! The match will be held at 2pm at Fort Family Park 8000 Baymeadows Rd E, following the Jax Men’s Rugby Club game versus the Gainesville Hogs at 12pm. The team has been working hard at practice to prepare for this game, and is very excited for the new team members to play in their first game! Please join the team after the game at our social at Southern Grill located at 800 Flagler Ave.
