LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ind. — Kelsey Collard has dedicated her life to service—both on the battlefield and in her community. The 34-year-old Army veteran, who has completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan and Kuwait, is now fighting a new battle: stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

“I see her as a hero,” said Lawrence County resident Lori Snoody. “She loves kids, and she’s just a wonderful person.”

Snoody has watched Collard transition from military service to an active role in her hometown, where she has become a pillar of support for children and families.

“She has helped out everywhere,” Snoody said. “She worked for the schools, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, leads 4-H, serves on the PTO, coaches baseball and soccer—she does everything. She just loves kids and loves her community.”

Collard enlisted in the Army National Guard at just 17 years old. “My mom basically signed for me,” she said. “I wanted to serve my community, but I also wanted to go to college and play sports. That was kind of my ticket out of a small town.”

 

A native of Pekin, Indiana, she spent a semester in college before being deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. After completing her nine-month tour, she returned to the U.S., settling in Louisville, Kentucky, before being deployed again in 2019—this time to Kuwait. Her second tour was cut short when she suffered a torn ACL, forcing her to return home. She later continued her service at Fort Campbell, stationed along the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

“I went from being this shy little girl who didn’t speak up for herself to a person that no one would mess with,” Collard said.

While Collard fought battles overseas, another war was brewing within her own body. She carries the BRCA1 genetic mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. Aware of the risk, she was diligent with self-exams and routine screenings.

In 2020, her worst fear became reality. She discovered a lump near her left pectoral, and tests confirmed a breast cancer diagnosis. What followed was a grueling journey of treatments, complications, and hospital stays, including a life-threatening infection.

 

“Get checked early,” Collard urged. “Males can get it, too. In my family, out of two boys and two girls, two boys and one girl have the gene.”

Amid her diagnosis, she met Jessica Cazee, an Air Force National Guard member who would later become her wife. The two were introduced by a mutual friend—Collard’s former team lead from Afghanistan—who recognized their shared military background.

“It’s pretty amazing in the short time we’ve known each other,” Collard said. “We met, and then a year later, I’m sick.”

Cazee became Collard’s greatest supporter, researching hospitals and oncologists to guide her through the fight.

“She just doesn’t realize all that she does,” Cazee said. “So many people look up to her, and she’s finally realizing it now.”

Collard’s cancer has now spread to her lungs, liver, and brain. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy in 2022, her battle continues. She recently suffered a severe blood infection due to complications from a medical port, nearly costing her life.

“You can either let the sickness define you, or you can overcome it and continue to live your life,” Collard said. “It’s that simple. You can either choose to be sick or not.”

On Saturday, March 22, the Oolitic, Indiana  community rallied to support Collard and her family by hosting a fundraiser at the local VFW. The event, titled A Veteran’s Fight #KelseyStrong, drew dozens of community members eager to contribute.

“I just want her to know how loved she is,” said Snoody, who organized the fundraiser. “We all love her, we’re here to have a good time, and we’re here to raise money to get her the help she needs.”

Despite frequent hospital stays, Collard made it to the event, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters wearing #KelseyStrong shirts.

“It’s a hard pill to swallow that so many people want to help,” Cazee said. “We’re usually the ones helping others. The fact that we need help now, just to try to have her here for another 10, 20, 30 years—however long we can keep her here—has been a huge eye-opener.”

Through it all, Collard remains focused on living in the moment and inspiring others.

“Just don’t take life for granted,” she said. “We take it one day at a time. Enjoy each moment you’re given, and take pictures—pictures last a lifetime.”

 

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist with Collard’s medical expenses. Donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kelseys-stage-4-cancer-battle-a-veterans-fight?qid=fdd874f3f703bbe113a2d8134eb1d202