Dr. Heather Ann McKelvey Remembered After Passing At 35 Following A Nearly Decade-Long Cancer Journey
Dr. Heather Ann McKelvey, born March 7, 1991, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away in their sleep without pain on Wednesday night, May 13, 2026, after nearly 10 years with retroperitoneal liposarcoma.
Heather was 35 and received care at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, California.
Heather earned a biology degree from Arcadia University, completed pre-med studies at Keck Graduate Institute, graduated from Nova Southeastern University as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, and trained in Emergency Medicine at Arrowhead Regional Hospital.
Loved ones remembered Heather as “Lala,” “Binks,” “Binky,” and “Resident Sunshine,” honoring a bright spirit, deep kindness, adventurous nature, and steady care for family, friends, patients, and colleagues.
Heather is survived by parents James McKelvey and Denise Fredianelli, siblings James McKelvey and Ashley McKelvey, Aunt Erica Holloway, godson Rene Gonzalez, nephews William McKelvey and Finley Kerschner, and niece Riley Kerschner.
A fundraiser created by Becca Curtis had raised $2,250 of an $18,000 goal through 15 donations for funeral costs and cancer resources, with memorial details to be announced later.
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