Stan’s Support

How do help your wife, Leann cope with her illness?

“First, on a daily basis I help her by preparing and then serving her meals. I also handle the household shopping. I recently took a more active role in household chores like laundry. Second, I let her have maximum control over when and how she chooses to do things. I don’t question her methods, since she knows what works best for her. Most importantly, I reassure her that whatever she is able to make of life is better than nothing. We try to be positive and enjoy our life together.”

How would things change if she were cured by a medical break-through?

“If it were me… I’d be like an uncaged tiger trying to make up for lost time. I think of all the things she used... to enjoy and would want to do again. I remember getting her 20+ novels a month at the local library for her to read. I know she would want to go back to working with children and making a difference in their lives. One thing I’m certain of, is that she and I would do a lot more “stuff” together; working as a team for my business, going to see family in Tampa, and vacationing near and far.  Since our three children are adults now, she would be free to use her time however she wanted.

I was excited that Leslie suggested making me and her mom a part of the MS Citrus Tour for a lot of reasons. Our lives have changed a lot in the past decade and despite all of our separate challenges; it’s been inspiring to see how it all seems to fit together in a very deliberate way. Leslie coming on board as my Marketing Director has poured countless fresh ideas and a new dose of motivation to the business. Community service and being good stewards of the earth has always been a passion the family shares, so Leslie immediately started suggesting ways to make the business more eco-friendly and helpful to the community as a whole. “Be the change you want to see in the world!” Oh to be young and so hopeful! Together, we decided I would sponsor a team that Leslie would Captain for the upcoming MS Citrus Tour.  To launch our efforts for the Stan Kelley Photography Team: The Flash Unit, I would donate $50 for every portrait session completed during the months of March and April. My goal in doing all of this is to make people aware of what others (like Leann) may be dealing with even if it isn’t obvious. People forget that they can help both financially and emotionally. In a dream world I’d like to find the right people to evaluate Leann’s situation and tell us what can be done, and who can do it. If this meant a “cure” for her, great! Otherwise, she needs help getting the most enjoyment out of her life possible. If nothing else we need practical advice just as much as any medication or therapy.

Business owners have to always remember that business isn’t just about making money, it’s about people working with other people.”