Shelly Sepulveda, a New England Patriots superfan, died of cancer just weeks after team owner Robert Kraft granted her tickets to Super Bowl LX.
Sepulveda, a mother of six and devoted Patriots fan, died on Monday after a two-year fight with ovarian cancer, according to an update on a GoFundMe page set up to assist pay her treatment.
We are heartbroken to announce that Shelly died last night at 1:51 a.m. “She was a devoted wife to her wife, Tami, and an incredible mother to six wonderful children who were the center of her world,” the statement said.
“Shelly was dearly loved, and her death has left an immeasurable void in her family and everyone who knew her.
“We are requesting assistance during this extremely difficult time to fund the expenses of Shelly’s burial and memorial services. Her death was unexpected, and the financial strain has added significant stress to an already tragic loss.
“Any donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward funeral expenses and helping support Tami and the kids as they navigate this heartbreaking time.”
Before the Patriots even reached the Super Bowl, Kraft gave Sepulveda tickets to the game at Levi’s Stadium on January 11, which New England won 16-3 over the Los Angeles Chargers.
In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Sepulveda admitted that the Patriots helped her forget about her cancer battle. “I’m on my third reoccurrence, and I told Mr. Kraft, ‘When I’m here I don’t think about cancer, I watch the Patriots,'” she said with Kraft’s spouse. “I’m so happy.”
In response, Kraft unveiled a massive Super Bowl ticket and presented it to Sepulveda. “Well my wife and I want to give you this cuz we’re gonna get you tickets to the Super Bowl,” he commented.
Sepulveda couldn’t suppress her joy and said, “Are you serious?” Thank you so much; that means a lot to me.
“I tried to fight it for two years. Going to the Super Bowl is something I’ve always wanted to do.
Sepulveda’s loved ones revealed her cancer diagnosis in a previous update on her GoFundMe page. “Well, it’s been over two years since diagnosis, and it’s been a difficult journey! “Three reoccurrences and approximately nine hospitalizations, I believe we have stopped counting,” the note continued.
“On average, it happens once every six weeks. She had a difficult hospitalization a few weeks ago, requiring a few blood transfusions and platelets.”
