Shelley had been sculpting for 20 years producing monumental bronze figures as public art and smaller bronzes for personal collections. Shelley was also a cancer survivor and an inspiration for cancer patients and care providers alike. Her life was never defined by cancer however it taught her that life is precious and not to waste a day. These videos are a window into her spirit and determination that was reflected in her artwork.
Shelley passed away on Friday, Oct 28, 2022 after winning her battle against cancer every day for 8 years. A memorial fund has been created to further Shelley's legacy as a champion for cancer research. To make a monetary gift to honor Shelley’s legacy, please donate to the Shelley Kerr Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. To give online, visit https://nocofoundation.org/philanthropists/donate/ and choose the Shelley Kerr Legacy Fund from the Designation drop down menu. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of the fund will go to cancer research that Shelley was passionate about including collaborative efforts such as One Cure and the Albert Institute.
Shelley was an early recipient of immunotherapy, which at the time was not FDA approved, but because of the efforts of her care providers at the University of Minnesota, she gained additional years of quality life. Time that she embraced with joy and determination. Video of Walking Beside Us.
Shelley dedicated her "To Live" sculpture to the entire team at the Colorado University Anschutz Medical Center that helped extend her life for years. Years that she did not waste but instead loved, gave, learned and created. She was unable to be present at the dedication ceremony but instead was there by way of this video presentation.
This article in Cancer Health magazine has inspired and comforted many. https://www.cancerhealth.com/article/art-living-cancer
Shelley's journey as a cancer survivor and artist was also captured in this article with the University of Colorado Cancer Center
She was also a performing artist ... a ballroom dancer active in the leadership of FoTC, Friends of Traditional Dance, which is an organization that serves the dancing community of Northern Colorado. Also a musician and singer. Here is a video of her singing a John Prine song, Boundless Love, with her husband Dave Cummings.
