Meet Kelli Sekulovich: A Cancer Survivor's Story of Resilience, Family, and Hope
Follow on Kelli on Instagram for the real reel. “Almost two weeks post-op and in the school pickup line. Take nothing for granted ❤️”
Meet Kelli Sekulovich, a vibrant 38-year-old midwesterner, devoted wife, and an obsessed mama to three little ones under five. With a heart full of love for her family, Kelli has navigated life as a civil servant in her role as an anesthesiologist, but her journey has not been without its challenges. “I always wanted to be a grocery store checkout clerk when I grew up,” she jokes, “but I fell for medical school instead.” Her husband, Bill, was love at first sight, and she proudly proclaims, “He has been the single best decision I have ever made.” Together, they have weathered a wild five-year journey filled with unexpected twists, and through it all, Kelli remains grateful for every moment.
Kelli’s life took a sharp turn in July 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As an anesthesiologist working in the ICU, she dedicated herself to caring for critically ill COVID patients, believing that the virus was her biggest challenge. However, the universe had other plans. In a whirlwind week, she began weaning her then one-year-old from breastfeeding, discovered a breast lump, learned she was pregnant with her second child, and received the shocking diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer—all within the span of just seven days.
The ensuing months were a whirlwind of medical challenges. Kelli underwent a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy while pregnant, and faced the heart-wrenching diagnosis of severe intrauterine growth restriction for her baby. Incredibly, she delivered a micropremie at just 33 weeks and endured 20 rounds of radiation postpartum. “We survived that hot mess,” Kelli reflects, with a sense of awe at her family’s resilience. After recovering both physically and mentally, she and her family celebrated the arrival of their miracle baby, Sloane.
For a while, life felt stable again. Kelli even welcomed a third child in 2023, an unexpected blessing amidst the storm. However, history would repeat itself when she began the process of weaning her baby and discovered another lump in the same breast—despite having undergone normal screening mammography just six weeks prior. “I knew immediately it was the return of cancer,” she recalls, a somber realization that struck hard.
Kelli’s cancer returned with a vengeance, progressing rapidly and relentlessly. She underwent urgent bilateral mastectomies for local control in October with plans for radiation after only to have to again abruptly pivot in the planning process with a detour to a clinical trial for more systemic therapy, which is where she will stay indefinitely.
“I have not caught a break for quite some time,” Kelli admits, grappling with the reality of her diagnosis. “But I will do anything to live for these sweet miracle babies and my rock of a husband.” As she navigates the tumultuous landscape of her cancer journey, Kelli reflects on the chaotic whirlwind of emotions. “I have been living in the cancer tornado, and it’s getting scary in here.”
Despite the uncertainty, Kelli remains determined to embrace her role as a mother and wife. With the support of the Love Bomb, she aims to create precious memories with her family, embodying the resilience and strength that define her journey. Kelli’s story is a testament to the power of love, hope, and unwavering dedication in the face of life’s challenges.
