Kelley Holdren was a flight nurse with the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN) who recently passed away, find out more about her and her cause of death below
According to reports, Kelley was just 48 years old at the time of her death on November 21.
Kelley Holdren UCAN flight nurse cause of death, funeral, illness, bio, age, husband and family
On behalf of the entire ECHO organization, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelley Holdren, Chief Flight Nurse of UCAN and President of ASTNA. Kelley was a lifelong learner and well respected leader, mentor and friend. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/yDa0RlSzyo
— ECHO HeliOps (@ECHOHeliOps) November 22, 2023
🙏 Today, AAMS mourns with ASTNA, the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network (UCAN) and the rest of our community as we learn of the passing of ASTNA President Kelley Holdren. We pray for Kelley's family, friends and colleagues during such a difficult time. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/RlIrJijhkU
— AAMS (@AAMS) November 21, 2023
Just 10 months ago, a fellow flight nurse named Teri Campbell promoted a Grand Slam Raffle on LinkedIn to help raise funds for Holdren’s cancer treatment.
Kelley Joyce Holdren, age 48, of Dyer, IN, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Beloved wife of Cliff Holdren III.
Kelley Holdren passes away
UCAN shared the news about Kelley Holdrem’s death on their official Facebook account. They stated the following in their tributary post:
To our chief flight nurse, just as you would’ve wanted us to, we will continue to honor her and abide by the legacy she has left behind us. To our chief flight nurse, just as you would’ve wanted us to, we’ll continue to hold our heads high as we step off the elevator onto the 13th floor, we’ll continue to give our patients the best possible care that you have trained us to do, we’ll continue to remain a family and be there for one another and most importantly (what you’ve always stressed the most) we’ll all come home.”
Cause of death
Kelley Holdren reportedly passed away due to embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. According to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is a dangerous and aggressive tumor that forms around the embryonic skeletal muscle tissues. Some common symptoms of this disease include difficulty passing urine, vomiting, bleeding noses, blurry vision, constipation, and more.
Education
Prior to starting out her career as a full-time professional, Kelley obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Illinois. Aside from that, she also received her Master of Science degree in Nursing and Business Administration from the Benedictine University.
Kelley Holdren career
After completing her education, Kelley joined the University of Chicago Hospitals back in 1998. However, she soon embarked on an eight-year long tenure as a flight nurse with AeroCare, Inc after briefly serving there. Kelley also worked as a consultant at Rodan + Fields. Holdren was reportedly served as the president of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) during her time at UCAN. She also served as the Administrative Director.
Husband and children
Kelley leaves behind her husband Cliff Holdren III and their daughters Isabella and Hannah Holdren.
Tributes pour in for Kelley Holdren
Following the news about the tragic death, netizens poured in all kinds of tributes for the deceased. Several netizens and Chicago community members came out to share their tributes online. A netizen named Rachael Quin Wilson shared:
Thinking of Kelley’s family, friends, and the UCAN family. Kelley was an amazing person and an incredible flight nurse. We are lucky to have had her in our lives.”
Meanwhile, another person named Frankie Toon, shared:
Such an amazing leader and member of our community. She will always be remembered. ❤️”
Karen Jake-Parker shared:
Thoughts and prayers with her friends and family during this painful time 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏”
Funeral details
According to reports, the final funeral for Kelley Holdren will take place on November 27 at the Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Community members can come in between 3 pm and 8 pm to say their final goodbyes to Kelley Holdren.
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