Reina P. Cunningham
Staff Writer
For the second week in a row, tragedy has altered the plans for ‘52 Weeks of Giving’. Friday was Arbor Day and the group had plans to plant a tree in that honor. Unfortunately, a more serious matter came to their attention. The group recently made new friends when they won “Good Morning America’s Disney Time Hometown Celebration”.
All of the GMA and Disney employees who helped with the event left a lasting impression with the kids, but one GMA employee in particular reallybonded with all those involved in “52 Weeks.”
The children were so fond of Kelly McKelvey, they called her “Princess Kelly.” The nickname came after McKelvey jokingly told the kids to ignore all the Disney princesses because she was the most important princess at the party.
The children were saddened to learn Friday that after their princess returned safely home to New York her brother, John, died a few days later.
Since McKelvey’s brother passed away, the kids really wanted to reach out to “Princess Kelly.”
So in addition to planting a tree on 20th street in honor of Arbor Day, the children decided to write letters to their “princess”during her time of mourning.
Compassion showed through in their letters as the group talked about how different it feels to write to someone you have actually met as opposed to writing notes to people you do not know, which is something the group does often.
“I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved brother,” wrote Nick Wilson.
He went on to remind Kelly to stay positive and remember her brother will always be a part of her life.
“Look forward and hope for the best,” continued Wilson. “You have a whole life to lead, so live it to your hearts content and know that you pass him on with everything you do.”
Friday’s meeting had a bright spot when the group received a phone call from Disney during their activities.
Originally, the GMA Disney show was supposed to air on April 19, the day of the actual party. However, due to GMA’s continued coverage over the Boston bombings the show has never aired. However, Disney had good news when they called the group, saying they still plan to air the footage of “52 Weeks.”
The tentative date is May 27.
A representative from Disney will be contacting “52 Weeks” sometime next week to confirm the date.
Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-248-1010, ext. 205, rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com.
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