Our story starts with Megan

Megan was a gracious and kind daughter, sister and friend to many Born and raised in Antalusa Alabama, Megan had the astounding capacity to enjoy some of the more simple thi to offer: fishing, spending time with friends, watching Alabama football and listen music. If anyone was to describe Megan to you they would have to comment on her glowing infectious smile and sweet, joyful personality.

When Megan was diagnosed with cancer in July of 2013, she was about to begin her senior year of high school. The next year and a half would prove to be the most difficult time her family had ever experienced. Despite the circumstances, Megan, or Maymay as she was known to her friends and family, held tight to her faith in God. The inner joy and peace she received from God never ceased to flow from her, even in the darkest of times.

Megan's life does not teach us that we are not supposed to be afraid, however. She knew fear intimately and felt it in her body as she battled cancer. By the end of her journey she knew that to feel fear is normal. It is a part of what it means to be human, in fact, and does not discriminate based on faith. The redemption comes with listening to that fear and allowing God to replace it with "peace, which surpasses understanding".

Beyond the wisdom that she gleaned from fighting the war of her life. Megan made it clear that her greatest desire was to give back. For all the love and kindness she was offered in her most critical time of need, she wanted it to be granted tenfold to whoever required it. In that spirit, she penned her dream of a building that would be a gift to the community around it. Years after she passed the Megan Kelley Dream Center was built in her honor and to realize her dream.

When asked what words of advice she would share after all she had been through, Megan said. "Be kind to everyone because you never know what they are going through." May that simple yet enduring instruction be the foundation of the Megan Kelley Dream Center and a reminder that no two of us hurts the same way, but we are all deserving of love.