Coalition to Unite and Fight Childhood Cancer

Kelly Rowan Wymer, President and Director of WVKCC, has worked as a paralegal for 36 years, most recently with the law firm of Ciccarello, Del Giudice & Lafon in Charleston, WV.

Her passion is for kids with cancer and their families because she knows first hand what they are going through.  Her daughter, Ali is a childhood cancer survivor, diagnosed at age 6 ½ in 2005 with Precursor B Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Following Ali’s surgery to remove the tumor and ultimately her diagnosis, Ali endured 2 years of chemotherapy treatment. As Kelly met other parents going through the same pain with their child she started to reach out to them and connect. 

At the request of Ali’s Oncologist at CAMC she headed up the first parent board in hopes to make a childhood cancer diagnosis a little easier on the families. In September, 2006 with the help of her close friend and Child Life Therapist the first “Celebration of Hope” was founded and held in Charleston.  It is now 12 years strong and run by the CAMC Foundation. In September 2006 Kelly was instrumental in the first proclamation signing with Governor Joe Manchin proclaiming September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Through the years Kelly has reached out and connected children and families. In 2014, Kelly co-founded West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders, which has provided financial, emotional support to families all over the State of West Virginia and across state lines. WVKCC has granted childhood cancer survivors college scholarships and also has given grants to support Camp Winaca, a camp for cancer kids in the State.

Kelly was recently nominated and honored at a luncheon by the Union Mission Ministries of Charleston “Women On A Mission” program for her passion and work with the cancer kids and families in the community.

Kelly’s efforts with the help of others developed a partnership with The Greenbrier Resort as they “Light Up Gold” during the month of September for Childhood Cancer Awareness. With the help of other cancer mom’s other landmarks such as the Elk River Bridge and The WV Building in Huntington light up Gold as well in September. During the holidays WVKCC has been a recipient of The Greenbrier’s Dream Tree program.

Recently with the support of Senator Glenn Jeffries, legislation was passed for a WVKCC Childhood Cancer Awareness License Plate which will launch in the Summer, 2018.

A graduate of Marshall University, Legal Assisting Program, Kelly is an avid spin instructor and loves to work out. She loves being with family, friends and “Cancer Moms”. Kelly and her family reside in Charleston, WV.       

Marisa is the Community Development Relationship Manager for Huntington National Banks, in West Virginia. She is also the co-founder and currently a director of West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders, a coalition to Unite and Fight Childhood Cancer.

Marisa experiences include sales, marketing, business development, and fundraising. Marisa received her degree in Athletic Training from Ohio State University in 2003. Upon graduation from Ohio State University, she began her sales career in pharmaceutical sales and then transitioned into medical device sales. While working in medical device sales, she was able to complete her Masters in Business Administration in 2009. She actively worked in the healthcare setting for more than 8 years before switching to non-profit. She was the regional manager for Make-A-Wish Southern West Virginia for 3 years. During her time at Make-A-Wish she covered 23 counties in Southern West Virginia and was responsible for the development, outreach and volunteer recruitment. In her most recent role, she was the event coordinator for State Treasurer John Perdue, planning and promoting his programs across the state.

Marisa is originally from Toledo, Ohio. She moved to Charleston 7 years ago and currently resides in South Charleston with her husband Doug and their boys Andrew and Elias.

• Managing Partner of Building & Remodeling Warehouse & Windows for Less in Nitro WV 

• Skaff Family Limited LLC– Member Commercial Development Company 

• Minority Owner Charleston Newspapers 

• Graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Master’s Degree in Human Resources & Business Management

• Honorary Doctorate West Virginia State Public Service 

• Philanthropic 

• Co-Founder of WV Kids Cancer Crusaders

• Home Builders Association of WV State Board of Director

• Co-Chair of YWCA Sojourners Shelter Guys Night Out 

• Roark Sullivan Veterans Shelter Board Member

• Student Affairs Visiting Committee Member - WVU 

• Former Member of WV House of  Delegates 2008-2013

• Founder of Mountaineer Maniacs 

• Member St. George Orthodox Cathedral

• Currently, Reside In South Charleston with my wife Marisa and son Andrew (2yrs) and Elias (9mnths)