In 2008, we decided to honor Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly

By Keith Kelly

By Keith Kelly

In 2008, we decided to honor Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly. He had lost his son Hunter to the disease Krabbe Leukodystropha. Jim and his wife started the Hunter's Hope Foundation established in 1997, it funds research efforts to identify new treatments, therapies, a cure for Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies, and for all newborns to be tested through the newborn screening program for all diseases, where early detection and treatment can save the life of a child. We contributed $50,000 to the fund.

Unfortunately, a sleet and ice storm closed airports across the Northeast and Jim Kelly's flight from Buffalo, N.Y. was diverted to Washington D.C. Big Jim was not to be deterred. He tried Amtrak, which was sold out, but was able to find a limo driver willing to bring him from Washington D.C. to N.Y.C. for $300. Of course, the weather caused terrible traffic delays and Kelly arrived so late that most of the guests had left the Kelly Gang gathering at Langan's. He hung out at the bar telling stories with some of the stragglers. Before he left, he promised he would return next year, with his four brothers. We were so impressed by his determination, that we contributed another $30,000 in 2009.

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