Meet Kelly, one of our NPKUA mentors!
Kelly is 26 years old and was diagnosed with classical PKU at birth. One of her three brothers also has PKU, so supporting each other through their “diet for life” has always been an important part of Kelly’s story. From navigating birthday parties and college dorm life to managing insurance hurdles and work dinners, she has grown up learning how to advocate for herself while staying committed to her health, and she is passionate about helping mentees do the same!
Living with PKU has shaped Kelly into someone who values empathy and inclusion because she understands what it feels like to be “othered.”
“While living with PKU isn’t easy,” Kelly said, “there is strength in embracing what makes us rare! As a mentor, it is my goal to encourage and empower my mentees to ‘see the good’ in our diagnosis and equip them with the tools not just to manage PKU, but to truly thrive.”
Kelly is a Wisconsin native currently living in Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and enjoys her work on the finance side of the hospitality industry. Her hobbies include making arts and crafts projects, taking long walks, attending concerts, cheering for Wisconsin sports teams and spending time with her family and boyfriend, Trevin. She shared, “I carry the belief that PKU makes me special, and I feel fortunate to be part of the PKU community. I look forward to continuing to connect with mentees and other fellow PKU-er’s alike!”
Learn more about connecting with Kelly or another NPKUA mentor by visiting npkua.org/support/mentor or emailing sarah@npkua.org. NPKUA’s Mentor Program provides hope, understanding, resources, guidance, motivation and emotional support to individuals affected by PKU, including adults with PKU, their families and caregivers of children with PKU.