Meet Kathy Kelley - Unshakable Spirit: Kathy's Story of Hope, Strength and Grit
Welcome to the fourth edition of Women of Wisdom, where we celebrate extraordinary women thriving in their golden years. Each month, I feature a woman who embodies grace, resilience, and a zest for life. These women teach us invaluable lessons about faith, courage, and embracing every season of life with a playful spirit and a heart full of wisdom.
This month, I am honored to introduce Kathy Kelley—a two-time cancer survivor whose story is a testament to the power of hope, strength and grit. Kathy’s experiences inspire us to persevere through adversity while cherishing the joy of community, family, and personal growth.
Kathy and I have shared a friendship that spans more than 20 years, a bond that began through our boys. From countless weekends in the bleachers, making signs, decorating buses, and traveling to games, to shedding tears of joy after victories and tears of sorrow after tough losses, we’ve experienced so much together. Beyond sports, we’ve prayed side by side, been part of book clubs, celebrated birthdays, enjoyed happy hours, and danced and sang our hearts out at concerts and bars. Kathy is one of those rare friends you can always count on—steady, uplifting, and genuine.
As we wrapped up our interview, I asked what she hopes to be remembered for, and her response was simple yet meaningful:
“She loved well.”
Kathy, you absolutely do! I’m so grateful God brought you into my life.
Read about Kathy’s inspirational story below
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Kathy’s Roots: Family, Faith, and Foundations
Kathy’s strength and faith were shaped by the early influences of her upbringing. She fondly recalls the nurturing presence and faith of her grandmother and the powerful examples set by her parents, whose dedication and industriousness have left a lasting imprint on her life.
Her father, a military and commercial airline pilot, exemplified integrity and hard work. “My dad would pile us all in the car for church—sometimes we were all crabby—but we went.” Those small, consistent moments became foundational in shaping her values. Her mother, a gifted homemaker and enthusiastic tennis player, demonstrated the importance of staying active, engaged, and vibrant throughout life.
Travel also played a significant role in Kathy’s childhood. Family trips instilled in her a love of adventure and exploration, sparking a passion for discovering new places—a love she continues to embrace to this day. These early experiences laid the groundwork for Kathy’s unshakable spirit and her ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Love, Community, and a Zest for Life
Kathy and her husband Travis met when they were only 15 years old, and this month, they are celebrating 32 years of marriage! Together, they’ve built a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and shared passions. One of their favorite pastimes is cheering on their beloved University of Texas Longhorns football team, a tradition that reflects their love for community and camaraderie. Family remains at the heart of Kathy’s life, shaping her values and providing an endless source of joy and support. She is often jetting off on the weekends to spend time with her two daughters who live in New York and Virginia.
“I love travel, family, and community,” Kathy shared. “They’re my anchors and the things that bring me the greatest joy. Staying connected to people and places gives my life so much meaning.”
Turning Points: Marriage, Entrepreneurship & Multiple Diagnoses
Kathy’s journey has been marked by pivotal decisions that shaped her path. After college, she initially pursued a career in television production but quickly decided to try something new: becoming a flight attendant.
“I loved flying, but I was newly married and missing every holiday, so after a couple of years,
I decided to shift gears and start a new chapter.”
Around the same time, Kathy and Travis made another pivotal decision and moved their young family to Austin. “It was a big change, but it was good for us as a little family unit.” Kathy’s move to Austin marked the beginning of a transformative journey in fitness and personal training. She started small, teaching group exercise classes at friends’ homes.
“Looking back, those were humble beginnings, but they were deeply meaningful.”
Another significant chapter in Kathy’s story is her courageous decision to step out on her own professionally—a leap that was both terrifying and transformative. After years of working as a Group Fitness Director and a personal trainer at a local gym, Kathy took the bold step to follow a coworker who had opened his own gym. She wanted to focus solely on personal training.
The first week of her new venture was nerve-wracking. She admits it was super scary, and the business side still brings her anxiety. (I second that) However, what followed was a season of unexpected growth, connection, and fulfillment.
Kathy attributes much of her success to the community she’s built over the years. “This community has been everything. I’ve met so many people through my kids, and those relationships have carried into my work.” Her business blossomed, far exceeding her expectations. “I could’ve never predicted how much it would grow, and I’m so grateful—I don’t take it for granted for a second.”
The transition to entrepreneurship not only reignited Kathy’s passion but also allowed her to use all the experiences and lessons from her past to build something meaningful.
“God did amazing things with that shift,” Kathy said. “It was scary, but it was absolutely the right decision. I love what I do, and I’m so blessed to work with the people I do. My clients make it easy to love my work.”
For Kathy, stepping out of her comfort zone wasn’t just a career move; it was a time of growth, introspection, and realizing accomplishments she hadn’t thought possible. Her story reminds us that even in uncertainty, bold decisions can lead to incredible opportunities and fulfillment.
Kathy’s story took a significant turn in the summer of 2018, marking the beginning of a challenging few years.
- 2018 – Heart Arrhythmia & Rotator Cuff Surgeries
- 2019 – During a routine Colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer
- 2021 – Kathy’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting Kathy to undergo genetic testing. The results revealed that she, too, had breast cancer—a revelation that became a profound turning point in her life.
“I thought colon cancer surgery was hard, but breast cancer brought complications I wasn’t prepared for. It was the most significant challenge in recent years that truly got my attention. There were times it felt impossible to heal, but I kept reminding myself to be patient. That’s the same advice I give to my clients now: hang in there, be patient, and keep moving forward.”
These experiences deepened Kathy’s empathy for others facing health challenges.
“I know what it feels like to think your body is betraying you,” she said. “That’s why I’m so passionate about helping people feel strong and capable, no matter where they are in their journey.”
Through these trials, Kathy’s perspective on life underwent a significant transformation. She now prioritizes not only her physical health—through proper nutrition and regular exercise—but also living with intention and joy.
“I try to fuel my body well, but I also strive to make the most of each day. I’m quicker to let go of things that once weighed me down. Life is too precious to waste.”
Kathy’s Wisdom for Navigating Life’s Challenges
Kathy’s story is a beautiful reminder that life’s turning points, challenges, and triumphs are all opportunities for growth. Her life offers invaluable lessons for women in the midst of new seasons of life:
- Embrace Change: Pivoting in life is not a sign of failure but of growth and courage.
- Anchor Yourself in Faith: In times of uncertainty, faith provides the strength to persevere.
- Stay Resilient: Life’s toughest challenges can inspire transformation.
- Pursue Joy: Whether through travel, hobbies, or family time, prioritize what brings you happiness.
Embracing Movement in the Golden Years: Kathy’s Fitness Insights
During my conversation with Kathy, her enthusiasm for helping women prioritize movement and wellness during midlife and beyond was evident. She emphasized the importance of incorporating three key types of exercise: strength training, cardio, and flexibility. I wholeheartedly agree with her advice!
- Strength Training:
“Strength training is essential,” Kathy said. “Lifting heavy weights—whatever that looks like for you—is one of the best things you can do for your body. It improves bone density, builds muscle, and helps you feel strong.” - Cardio for Heart Health:
Kathy encourages women to get their heart rate up at least two to three times a week. “I love cardio, so this is easy for me, but it’s important for everyone. Find an activity that gets your blood pumping and that you enjoy doing.” - Flexibility and Balance:
Yoga is Kathy’s “happy place” and her favorite way to move. “If you’re struggling with flexibility or balance, yoga is a great practice to try. There are so many online resources, so you can find a style that resonates with you. It’s about finding what feels good for your body.”
Her main advice
“It’s never too late to start. Keep moving. Every single day. It doesn’t matter how small the movement is. Just do something. Whether it’s walking, lifting weights, or doing a little yoga—movement is crucial for both physical and mental health.”
One of the highlights of 2024 was attending the U.S. Open with Catherine Harrison, a professional tennis player that she has had the privilege of training.
My Final Thoughts
Kathy’s story reminds us that life is about embracing each season with grace and wisdom. No matter what challenges come our way, we always have the opportunity to grow, adapt, and thrive. If you’re navigating a similar transition or simply looking for inspiration, Kathy’s journey is a powerful reminder that we have the strength to face anything that comes our way. Keep moving, keep growing, and most importantly, keep hoping.
