NFL Pro Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly and wife Jill, along with the Hunter's Hope Foundation hosted a special Hunter's Day of Hope for Children on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Buffalo Bills Field House in Orchard Park, NY. This fun community event was complimentary for all families and children in attendance.
Hunter's Day of Hope for Children began in 1998 when the Kelly's celebrated the first birthday of their son, Hunter (February 14, 1997 – August 5, 2005), who shares this special day with his father. This year's event included a special birthday celebration for former Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jim Kelly, who turned 50 on Valentine's Day.
Four months after he was born, Hunter Kelly was diagnosed with Krabbe leukodystrophy, an inherited, fatal, nervous system disease. The Kelly family, along with the Foundation named after their son, continues to celebrate Hunter's Day of Hope for Children as part of their mission – to encourage parents and families to thank God for their precious gift of children.
"God loves birthdays! Hunter, our one and only son, was born on his daddy's birthday – what a precious gift! And it's a privilege to celebrate this special day with children and families across Western New York," said Jill Kelly.
Hunter's Day of Hope for Children brings families together to enjoy music, dancing, games, face painting, and refreshments. The festivities concluded with a time of prayer for all children around the globe.
The Hunter's Hope Foundation was established in 1997 by Jim Kelly and his wife Jill, after their infant son, Hunter (February 14, 1997 – August 5, 2005) was diagnosed with Krabbe Leukodystrophy, an inherited fatal nervous system disease. While Jim and Jill have been blessed with the opportunity to share Hunter's story and the hope of the Foundation named after their son all over the world – their greatest passion is to bring encouragement and hope to families in the midst of suffering. The Foundation's mission and focus is threefold: to fund research necessary to treat and cure Krabbe Disease as well as other devastating leukodystrophies, increase newborn screening standards across the United States to obtain early detection and treatment for all treatable diseases, and ultimately Hunter's Hope exists to inspire all parents to thank God for their children.
For more information about the Hunter's Hope Foundation, visit www.huntershope.org or call 716-667-1200.
