Kelly Anne Dolan Fund Celebrates 35th Anniversary

In the early Spring of 1972, little Kelly Anne Dolan was diagnosed at age two, with aplastic anemia, launching her family into the world of lengthy hospital stays, painful procedures and a parade of doctors and specialists, and with all of the bills that follow them. Kelly Anne’s family and medical teams fought for her survival for five years following her diagnosis, but just short of her seventh birthday, secondary complications due to Leukemia became more than her little body could overcome. Thirty-five years ago today, this beautiful little girl left this world.

This Thursday, October 6, marks the 35 anniversary of the beginning of the charity in Kelly Anne’s name, born of a desire to “give back” for all that was given to the Dolans during Kelly Anne’s illness.  As a result of Kelly Anne’s obituary notice, almost $8,000 was contributed as seed money for the fund.

Since then, with generous support of corporate and private sponsors, the Kelly Anne Dolan Fund has been able to ease the financial burdens of more than 20,000 families with seriously ill, physically and cognitively challenged, or severely injured children.  

“It has always been my mission to help others through the same kindness and friendship our family was shown during our time of crisis. It has been a humbling experience and I am so honored to have been continually supported in this mission through the many hours provided by volunteers and the many dollars generously donated by our supporters,” says mother, Peggy Dolan.

The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund is commemorating this 35th year of support to area families with a celebration at Philadelphia's Crystal Tea Room on October 23 from 4 to 9 p.m.  The celebration will offer a night of fun and entertainment that includes Monte Carlo and Carnival games, dinner and dancing to the sounds of the 17-piece Jump City Jazz orchestra and raffles with the chance to win mini-vacations, jewelry, electronics and other “interesting items.”

John and Aileen Crowley, who inspired the 2010 film, Extraordinary Measures, will be honored at this event with “Kelly’s Caring Award,” for their work in raising more than one hundred million dollars to help find a cure for Pompe disease and other rare genetic disorders.

 Tickets for this event are still available!

• Individual Ticket: $75.
• Friend Tickets: $150 (includes listing in commemorative book)
• Patron Tables: $1500 (includes table for ten, and listing in commemorative book)

Discounted room rates ($99) are available for the night of this celebration at the Philadelphia Marriot Downtown when you reserve in advance and mention The Kelly Anne Dolan Fund 35th Anniversary Celebration. So come out, make a night of it, and join the party which helps support the Kelly Anne Dolan Fund, as they continue their care, support and advocacy for area families still battling childhood illnesses.