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Every year, as fairy wings flutter and laughter fills the air at the 5K for Kelli, we are reminded of the incredible woman who inspired this event — our sister, Kelli James. The 5K for Kelli isn’t just a fun run or a community gathering; it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and joy. It honors the memory of a woman who brought sunshine into every room she entered and who lived each day with curiosity, kindness, and courage.
This is Kelli's story.
A Life Filled with Adventure and Creativity
Kelli was born in Akron, Ohio to Karen Snyder and Woody Clough. From the very beginning, she radiated a sense of adventure and creativity. She married her high school sweetheart, Barry James, just before her 21st birthday, and together they traveled the country during his fighter pilot training with the Air National Guard. Eventually, they settled in Dayton, Ohio, where Kelli pursued her education at the University of Dayton, graduating magna cum laude with a Visual Arts degree.
As a graphic designer, Kelli had an eye for bright colors and bold, contemporary designs. She loved creating beauty in everything she touched. But her creativity didn’t stop with art — she was also an incredible cook who delighted in experimenting with new recipes and sharing them with family and friends. Kelli's kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals.
Nature was Kelli’s happy place. She found pure joy in hiking through the woods, camping under the stars, rock climbing, waterskiing, and basking in the sunshine. She believed in living life to the fullest — a belief that guided her through even the toughest times.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In 2001, at just 35 years old, Kelli received a diagnosis that would change her life: an aggressive form of breast cancer. The timing was especially heart-wrenching — she had just given birth to her son, Michael. With her characteristic optimism, she underwent a lumpectomy, and for a while, we all believed that everything would be okay.
In 2002, she gave birth to her daughter, Aliisa, and decided to stay home to embrace motherhood. Kelli poured her heart into raising her children and cherished every moment she had with them. Determined to stay healthy, she became passionate about organic food, juicing, and holistic wellness. Her kitchen soon became the headquarters for daily wheatgrass shots — even her kids learned to drink and enjoy the earthy, vibrant green juice.
But breast cancer is relentless. Despite her optimism, a routine scan revealed that the cancer had returned. This time, the doctors recommended a mastectomy. Once again, Kelli faced the challenge head-on with courage and grace, and we all believed she would be okay.
Finding Strength in Community
Cancer is often a lonely road, but Kelli found a source of strength in the Noble Circle Project, a Dayton-based support group for women with breast cancer. Founded by her Qi Gong teacher, Jan Lively, the group became Kelli's safe haven — a place where she could share, connect, and find comfort in the company of other women who understood her journey.
The sisterhood she found in Noble Circle was invaluable, especially when, in April 2006, a devastating scan revealed that the cancer had spread beyond treatment. We were heartbroken, but Kelli remained steadfast. She refused to give in to despair, choosing instead to embrace her warrior spirit.
For the next six months, she fought with everything she had. Her days were filled with love, hope, and the unwavering belief that joy can exist even in the darkest moments. On October 15, 2006, at Hospice of Dayton, Kelli passed away at the age of 40, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.
Why We Created the 5K for Kelli
Losing Kelli left a void in our lives that words cannot describe. But in our grief, we found a purpose: to honor her memory and spread the joy she so passionately lived by.
The 5K for Kelli was born out of this mission. It’s more than a run; it’s a tribute to Kelli’s zest for life, her love of nature, and her deep belief in the power of community.
💗 Why Fairies?
If you’ve been to the 5K for Kelli, you’ve probably noticed a lot of fairy wings, tutus, and flower crowns. Kelli adored fairies. She loved the idea of magic, wonder, and the unseen beauty of the world. So, we invite everyone — runners, walkers, kids, and adults — to embrace their inner fairy and join us in a day of fun, laughter, and giving.
🌸 Why Fitness?
Kelli believed in living a healthy, active life. Through the 5K for Kelli, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and self-care — all of which can contribute to breast cancer prevention and improved well-being.
🎗️ Why Giving Back?
All proceeds from the 5K for Kelli go to the Breast Wishes Foundation, an organization we founded to bring joy to individuals living with breast cancer. Wishes granted have included:
Spa days
Family vacations
Shopping sprees
Dinner dates
Yoga retreats
These moments of joy don’t cure cancer, but they do lighten the emotional load and create beautiful, lasting memories for patients and their families.
Join Us and Be Part of Kelli’s Legacy
The 5K for Kelli is more than just a run — it’s a celebration of life, love, and resilience. It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, honor the memory of those we've lost, and support individuals currently facing the challenges of breast cancer.
Whether you choose to run, walk, volunteer, sponsor, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps us continue Kelli’s legacy of spreading joy. With every step we take, we get closer to granting even more wishes for those in need of a bright moment during a difficult time.
Here's how you can get involved:
Register to Run/Walk: Lace up your shoes and hit the trail with us!
Sponsor the Event: We’re always grateful for businesses and individuals who want to support our mission.
Volunteer to Help: From setting up fairy gear to handing out water, volunteers make this event possible.
By joining us at the 5K for Kelli, you’re helping to provide unforgettable moments of joy for breast cancer patients — one step, one smile, one wish at a time.
To learn more, register, or get involved, visit: https://www.breastwishes.org/5k-for-kelli