Kelly Finger - McNeela

Kelly Finger-McNeela had multiple sclerosis and faced life in a nursing home. She dreamed of building something better – a home she would call “Kelly’s Place” – where she could have the assistance she needed with daily activities in a setting that was more like a home, among peers of a similar age. Kelly was inspired by Olivia’s Gift and would be proud of this partnership to bring a creative space and gardens to the residence. Kelly has found her place.

In 2018, Olivia’s Gift partnered with the family of Kelly Finger-McNeela to complete construction of the studio Workshop! This is a space that offers our residents and community new opportunities to create art, cook, garden and explore their creativity in a beautiful and accessible environment.

Support Olivia's Gift in honor of Kelly

Visit the “I Can and I did" Website

Good Tough Kid

Good Tough Kid is a feature length documentary telling the story of Kelly Finger-McNeela.

Kelly Finger-McNeela was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis her freshman year of high school. The only thing on her mind was living a “normal” life. Her disease threatened to make that impossible. With each passing milestone, the questions persisted; "Will this be too much? Should I take an easier path? Stay home, stay single, get on disability?"

Kelly couldn't imagine a life spent in her little home town, in slow retreat, waiting for the inevitable. She took every challenge head on and paved the way for those who came behind by going to her dream university, careering in big cities, marrying her college sweetheart, and adopting a daughter when kids didn't seem like an option. Her short life was vibrant and shining. She made her goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. Kelly set out to live an ordinary life… …but instead, lived a remarkable one.

For information on where and when "Good Tough Kid" will be screening follow "Good Tough Kid" on Facebook.

Good Tough Kid on Facebook