About Kelly Holm
Cancer Survivor • Baseball Champion • Songwriter • Patient Advocate
Kelly Holm's story is one of impossible odds, relentless determination, and the power of self-advocacy. Diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, Kelly faced not one but two near-death cardiac tamponade crises in November 2024 that should have ended his life. With blood pressure as low as 40s over 20s and his heart compressed by fluid, he refused to accept a misdiagnosis and fought his way back from the brink.
But Kelly's fight didn't begin with cancer. A lifelong athlete and competitor, he has spent decades on the baseball diamond, winning championships in the 18+, 32+, and 45+ age divisions—all in the same year (2025)—proving that age and illness are no match for determination. Even during cancer treatment, Kelly continued to play, slide into home plate, and lead his team to victory.
Through it all, Kelly found solace and purpose in songwriting, composing over 50 songs that chronicle his journey through cancer, cardiac crises, and the healthcare system. Songs like "Cancer Sucks," "Life on Fast Forward," and "Providence" capture the raw emotion, fear, hope, and triumph of his experience.
When medical errors nearly cost Kelly his life, he made a choice that defines his character: instead of pursuing litigation, he chose education. His mission is to empower patients to advocate for themselves, to trust their instincts, and to fight for their lives when the system fails them.
Kelly's Journey
Surviving the Impossible
Two cardiac tamponade crises in November 2024. Blood pressure as low as 40s over 20s. Refused discharge when doctors misdiagnosed esophagitis. Fought for his life and won.
Baseball Champion
Winning championships in three age divisions (18+, 32+, 45+) all in 2025 during cancer treatment. Countless slides into home plate and proof that cancer can't stop a competitor.
50 Songs and Counting
Turning pain into purpose through songwriting. Over 50 compositions documenting the journey through cancer, cardiac crises, and healing.
Education Over Litigation
Choosing to empower patients through education rather than pursuing legal action. Teaching others to advocate for themselves in a broken healthcare system.
Kelly's Mission
Through this book, Kelly aims to empower patients to become their own best advocates. His message is clear: trust your instincts, fight for yourself, and never accept a diagnosis that doesn't match your symptoms.
By sharing his story—the medical crises, the baseball triumphs, the songs, and the choice to educate rather than litigate—Kelly hopes to save lives and inspire others to spell impossible with an apostrophe.
Kelly lives with his wife Yana and daughter Sofia, continuing to play baseball, write songs, and advocate for patient empowerment. He is currently preparing for TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.