Community rallies around beloved Livonia family during ALS battle
The Grodzicki family in a recent photo.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
That is the question being asked by friends, family and teaching colleagues of Kelly Grodzicki, a beloved Livonia wife and mother, and educator at Bryant Middle School in Dearborn.
This past June, Grodzicki was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Kelly’s husband, Matt, a teacher at Livonia Stevenson High School and well-known soccer coach, said Kelly first started experiencing symptoms of ALS around Christmas 2025.
“There were little things here and there … but we never anticipated this,” Matt Grodzicki said. “As the disease progresses, you see more symptoms and more doctors. Unfortunately, ALS moves fast.”
Matt said tests revealed the ALS diagnosis is not genetic in Kelly’s case.
“Just something very random,” he said.
Community acts fast
As word spread of Kelly’s diagnosis, everyone blessed in one way or another by the Grodzicki family started to find ways to help.
A “Kelly Strong” fundraiser to support Kelly asks people to purchase $5 blue bracelets with the words “Kelly Strong”, with all proceeds supporting the Grodzicki family.
A music trivia fundraiser for the Grodzickis — scheduled for Nov. 13 — sold out in one day, Matt said.
Donations for the fundraiser can be venmoed to @kellyGrodzickiusing kelly-ALS3.
If you would like to participate or donate to an ALS Walk set for Sept. 27, click here.
“Our soccer community has been amazing,” Matt said. “They’ve already planned a 3v3 soccer tournament fundraiser and a golf outing is in the works.
“The community’s support has been wonderful. When you grow up, teach and coach in a place like Livonia like Kelly and I, your circle of friends and supporters grows fast. We’re very appreciative.”
Matt said Kelly is doing as well as can be expected.
“We’re taking it day by day,” he said. “It’s not just the physical part of ALS; it’s the mental part we have to work on, too.”
To order a Kelly Strong bracelet, venmo $5 to @kcapoccia and include “Kelly Strong” in the subject.
There is local Livonia pick-up only.
