My name is Kaylie Daly and I live in Shelton, Washington. I’ve been married to my
husband Patrick since September 1993 and I have four pets OB, Charlotte, Ivy and
Elliott. Also – I love giraffes.
I am the oldest of three girls and my family’s cancer journey started the Friday before
Memorial Day 2012, the day we got Dad’s lung cancer diagnosis.
Within a year Mom got her lung cancer diagnosis.
At the time I didn’t think of myself as a “caregiver”. In my mind I was a daughter who
loved her parents who would do anything for them because they did everything for us
growing up. To me it was not a “duty” but an honor and privilege to do for my parents
what they did for us – provide loving care, guidance, independence, strength and to be
an advocate voice when needed.
I knew about the American Cancer Society but didn’t get involved until after my Dad
passed.
In January 2017 the world was introduced to April the Giraffe and I, along with people
around the world watched her on live cams awaiting that baby to be born.
April had her baby boy Tajiri in April 2017 and my love for giraffes was rekindled.
A year later, in 2018 I was ready to tackle cancer and I joined Relay For Life. I walked in
that June 2018 day not knowing anyone, just knowing that somehow, I was making a
difference. And I walked out with a great big Relay family I had no idea existed. My
world changed and my passion for fighting cancer was ignited.
The following year Team Giraffe was born. Our team motto is “Life is tough. YOU are
tougher. Be a giraffe. Stand tall to rise above it all”.
Be a giraffe. Always stand tall.