PEP Talks: People Empowering People

Kasey Crawford Kellem is a school counselor, author, yoga instructor, motivational speaker, former business owner and special ed teacher, and now, podcaster. She is a beacon of resiliency as she continues through her journey dodging hurdles but still dancing all along the way! The creator and author of Mind Over Matter Books, Kellem’s first five books, “Believe,” “Love,” “Laugh,” “Relax,” and “Dream” teach children the resiliency tools necessary to overcome obstacles. After her husband died from cancer, Kellem wrote, “Bella-Eve the Bounce-Back Dog” a book she has shared with thousands of children helping them cope with their challenges in life. Her adult memoir, “Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer” was written to help encourage others coping with a terminally ill family member or widowhood believe they can overcome the grief. She has spent her thirty-plus year career in education helping others overcome their hardships so they can live longer, happier quality lives.

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PEP Talks: People Empowering People

Shelley Soderstrom: Stay Strong

May 11, 2020 • Kasey Kellem and Greta Fechter • Season 1 • Episode 11

Shelley is a young mother and wife who over the past 16 years has been diagnosed with cancer in several areas of her body resulting in amputation, lung removal, several surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Throughout her journey which began when she was in high school, Shelley role modeled her “Stay Strong” motto as she continued to do what she had to do to get through her life because, as she put it, she had no choice. You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. After hearing Shelley’s story you are sure to be inspired to get through whatever adversity you are facing!

We learned from Shelley:

*Sometimes we have no choice and just need to do it.

*God only gives you what you can handle, but you can’t fake to God your strength.

*“Stay Strong” is not just a motto or mantra, but a way of life.

*It is important to be realistic and stay in the present while setting short term goals.

FOLLOW UP: October, 2023
Please learn about Shelley's final three years of life after this podcast was aired:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8myqbik6cY&t=22s

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