CSU's Brandee Kelly To Receive 2011 Cleveland Clinic Courage Award

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State sophomore and women's basketball student-athlete, Brandee Kelly will be receiving the 2011 Cleveland Clinic Courage Award on Thursday (Feb. 2) at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards Banquet. Kelly, a native of St. Louis, Mo., is receiving the award after overcoming her battle with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects cells of the immune system.

"As I watched Brandee come to terms with her diagnosis, and face her treatment, all the while attending classes, and remaining involved in our team's daily routine - I couldn't help but look at her in a whole new light," Cleveland State head women's basketball coach Kate Peterson Abiad said. "It showed what a courageous young woman she was through everything and what an inspiration she is to each of us. And now that she is healthy, she shows us every day how to embrace life."

Kelly was diagnosed with lymphoma during March of her freshman year, and spent four months going to the Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic to receive several rounds of chemotherapy. During the final week of July, Kelly, along with her Cleveland State teammates and coaches, rang the ceremonial bell at the Taussig Cancer Institute signaling that she had completed her final treatment session.

Since then, Kelly has played in eight games for the Vikings, and was part of the starting lineup at Valparaiso (Jan. 5) and Butler (Jan. 7) earlier this season.

It was because of her courageous determination and inspiring countenance that the nurses and staff at the Cleveland Clinic nominated her for the 2011 Cleveland Clinic Courage Award.

The Courage Award presented by the Cleveland Clinic, honors exceptional student-athletes who have faced a medical challenge in his or her life and approached the situation with courage and determination to get back in the game. 

(Release courtesy of Cleveland State athletics)