Brian and Paqui Kelly’s Resilience and Advocacy Journey at LSU Reported by NBC News In recent years, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui Kelly, have been in the forefront of health activism, notably in the area of breast cancer awareness. Paqui, a two-time breast cancer survivor, has turned her personal struggles into a goal to help others who face similar issues.
Paqui’s first cancer diagnosis was in 2003, followed by a second, more severe illness in 2007. These events inspired the Kelly family to create the Kelly Cares Foundation, which focusses on health, education, and community support. Their dedication has remained unwavering, even as they moved from Notre Dame to LSU.
In Baton Rouge, the Kellys have maintained their work with events such as “Paqui’s Playbook,” which promotes women’s health and cancer awareness. They collaborated with local healthcare providers to improve access to mammography services and develop spaces for open talks about health issues.
Their efforts have received widespread support among the LSU community and beyond. Coach Kelly has expressed heartfelt thanks for the funding they’ve received, emphasising that it multiplies the foundation’s impact and expands its reach to individuals in need.
The Kellys’ foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities that match with their goal, making a lasting impact on the communities they have touched. Their journey from personal suffering to public advocacy exemplifies perseverance and the power of communal support.