Family raises $15k toward naming a patient room in the new Boone Memorial in memory of Kelly Canterb

On Saturday November 14th, 2015 the Christmas for Kel fundraising event was held at the Scott High School Cafeteria. The event was held in memory of Kelly Elizabeth Canterbury and proceeds will benefit the new Boone Memorial Hospital, scheduled to open this year.

Kelly Elizabeth Canterbury was born March 12, 1972 in Boone Memorial Hospital. At the age of eight, she was diagnosed with Insulin Dependent Diabetes and was admitted to Boone Memorial Hospital for care. There she learned to give herself insulin injections and received education on a lifelong disease.

“Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she was admitted to Boone Memorial several times for illnesses and complications with the disease and was always treated with tender, loving care,” said mother Kathy Hill.

After graduating from Marshall University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work she returned home and became an employee of Boone Memorial Hospital.

Kathy explains that Kelly never allowed diabetes to be a handicap.

“She was always actively engaged in school and extracurricular activities.”

After graduating from Marshall University she married Ken Golden and became a mother to his son, Nicholas. A short time later they were blessed with becoming parents of Jimmy and Georgia Golden.

“Kelly loved being a mother and devoted herself to her children while continuing full time employment,” explained Kathy.

She eventually became a teacher, which is the career she desired since she was five years old. After working for Boone County Schools, she gained employment as a teacher at the Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Detention Center. Kathy explains how Kelly shared her heart with those students and spoke about her love for them on a regular basis.

Kelly had recently relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina, after marrying Gary Hill from Foster, WV. Shortly after her move, her illness began taking a toll on her. She passed away, unexpectedly on May 5, 2015 due to complications from diabetes. In order to preserve her memory, Kathy is dedicating a room, in her honor, in the new Boone Memorial Hospital.

“With the help of family, friends and our close-knit community, this dream is becoming a reality,” said Kathy.

Kelly’s family presented the first installment, a check in the amount of $15,000.00 to Virgil Underwood, Chief Executive Officer of Boone Memorial Hospital, on Friday, November 27th. Kathy felt that “Black Friday” was a very appropriate day to present the donation since she and Kelly spent this day in previous years on their annual shopping marathon.

Boone Memorial Hospital holds a special place in the hearts of Kelly’s family and many have been employed there: Kathy, as an RN and then a Family Nurse Practitioner; Kelly’s brother, Dee, as a Pharmacy Technician; her brother, Adam, worked summers while in school; step-father, Kevin, a Physician Assistant; her sister-in-law, Kelli as an LPN, RN and Family Nurse Practitioner and her cousin, Paula Linville, in the front office.

Kelly’s family would like to thank the community for coming out and supporting the “Christmas for Kel” event. Special thanks to the many individuals who made generous donations and the following businesses who supported the cause: Barkers’ Hardware, Byrnside’s Furniture, Madison Medical, J&R Repair, Park Avenue Restaurant, the Grapevine, Homestead Realty, White Eye Care in Logan, the post offices in Hurricane and Barboursville and Boone Memorial Hospital.

Last, but definitely not least, the family extends love and thanks to their “Christmas for Kel” team: Barbara Miller, Susie Bell, Julie Sizemore, Alice Rider, JoAnn Harmon, Sylvia Clark, Kim Burgess, Vicki Dehart, Marlene Woods, Lou Ann Dotson, Janie Canterbury, Judy Browning, Gail Sanders, Judy Charcandy, Teresa Tierno, Janie Ferrell, Bridget & Greg Foster, Heather Robinson, Becky Long, Debbie Baisden, Nancy Woody, Mary Cook, and teenage helpers; Haley, Jaylan, Ashley, Jessica and Courtney. Many others helped by spreading the word, selling tickets, providing items for the concession stand, etc.

“This would not have been possible without all of you,” said Kathy.

On Saturday, March 12th another fundraising event will be held at the Madison Civic Center in Kelly’s memory. Proceeds will benefit the hospital room dedication. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door. Tickets are available for purchase at the Grapevine or Madison Medical Group, both located in Madison. You can also call 304-369-0638 or 304-369-1855. Prizes included Luggage, Shark Sweeper, Pendulum Clock, Gift Baskets and more. Specials include a 10 foot kayak, kitchen aide mixer, Ryobi tool set, IPAD mini (2), corn hole set and a complete camping set. Door prizes will be given away throughout the evening.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Kathy and her entire family. They have been part of the Boone Memorial Hospital family for many years as employees, volunteers and friends. Their tireless efforts spent coordinating ‘Christmas for Kel’ to honor Kelly while also supporting the new hospital is wonderful. We look forward to dedicating one of 25 rooms in Kelly’s honor,” said Virgil Underwood, hospital CEO.

To learn more about the BMH Capital Campaign and upcoming fundraising events contact Denver Allen, Campaign Director at 304-539-2242 or click here.