'God Be The Glory:' Jim Kelly's Wife Posts Heartfelt Tribute Hours Before Difficult Surgery
Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, 58, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013.
Through his cancer treatments in 2013, remission starting in 2014, and the cancer’s return in 2018, the Kelly family has sought to point friends, family, and followers to Christ.
In March, Jill Kelly told the community that her husband’s oral cancer had returned after years of being in remission.
“The cancer is back,” Kelly wrote on Instagram. “We are shocked, heartbroken, sad, angry, confused, and just darn tired.”
“Yet, despite how we feel, we KNOW that God is a promise maker and keeper.”
Jim Kelly lost a portion of his upper jaw during surgery in March to remove the oral cancer. As part of the restoration process, Kelly had another surgery in June to prepare his gum tissue for dentures.
Next, Jim Kelly will receive permanent dentures, according to a report from Bills Wire.
On Sept. 3, Jill Kelly gave another update on her husband’s health with a playful photo of two in a hospital waiting room in New York City.
“What you do when you’re in NYC and have to get up at 5am for surgery,” she joked.
“Tomorrow is another procedure in the process of completing Jim’s oral reconstruction,” Jill Kelly wrote. “Honestly, I don’t know how he does it other than the grace of God and the prayers of so many.”
Jill Kelly said she was committed to praying during her husband’s procedure, and invited her followers to submit prayer requests so that she could pray on their behalf, too.
“To God be the Glory!” she concluded.
The Kelly family has weathered the ups and downs of life by being “Kelly Tough,” and relying on their faith in God. On numerous occasions, Jim Kelly has said he has peace with whatever God has in store for him.
“I have no room to complain,” Kelly said. “If tomorrow the good Lord decides that’s my last day, then I’m not going to go down with a frown.”
“I’m going down with a smile on my face, knowing that I’ve gotten everything out of life.”
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