Turning Loss Into Light
Ahead of the inagural women’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship later this month, Lisa DeLong had a chance to speak with IRONMAN about Carly’s story.
Carly Faye DeLong
New Years Eve of 2016, Carly was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
Throughout treatment, she refused to be defined by her diagnosis.
She continued to attend class and volleyball practices whenever possible.
Even when she couldn’t play, she traveled with the team, determined to make it back on the court.
With every mis-step and set back, she came back stronger and more determined than before. This same determination to succeed and push through boundaries and obstacles was the way Carly lived her life even before her cancer diagnosis. She was always setting high goals and pursuing them with passion.
Carly never gave up, she never gave into her diagnosis.
On September 23, 2017, Carly’s battle with ALL ended, but the legacy she left behind will carry on because of the imprint she left on so many lives.
This is how we plan to do it.
2023 Athletic Scholarships
Carly always believed in,
“work hard,
play hard”
2023 AcademicScholarships
Supporting girls as they achieve academic excellence.
GLO:
Girls Lifting Others
In-hospital photo shoots… because you’re always fierce.
2023 Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to our 2023 Carly Faye Foundation Athletic Scholarship Award Winner, Kensley Smith!
Kensley is a 2023 graduate from Kenton Ridge High School. During her time as a Cougar, Kensley was a four year varsity letter winner for both volleyball and girls swimming. During her senior volleyball season, Kensley was a captain for Kenton Ridge, helping to lead her team to a conference championship. She was also chosen as a member of the All Clark County Volleyball team.
During her time as a swimmer, Kensley was a four year district qualifier and a member of the Kenton Ridge State Team both her junior and senior seasons. She helped lead her team to back-to-back conference championships and is a member of the 400 freestyle relay that holds the school record.
Aside from Athletics, Kensley was a part of her schools National Honor Society, Student Council, Leo Club, and was vice President of Spanish Honor Society.
In the fall, Kensley plans to further her education at The Ohio State University, studying in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. After obtaining her Bachelors Degree, she plans to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy to become a Sports Physical Therapist.
Congratulations to our 2023 Carly Faye Foundation Academic Scholarship Award Winner, Emily DeWitt!
Emily is a graduate of Catholic Central High School, Springfield Ohio. She was a 4 year member of her high school soccer team and was a 3 year member of the women’s basketball team. She was a captain her senior year for both teams.
Throughout high school Emily was a member of National Honor Society, Peer Ministry, In His Image club, Key Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Building Buddies, was Vice President of her class, and was a service day leader. She is also a volunteer through the Carly Faye Foundation for the GLO program.
After high school, Emily plans on continuing her academic and soccer career at the University of Indianapolis. She plans on majoring in exercise science.
THE BOARD
We’re dedicated to continuing the life of excellence,
determination, and fearlessness led by Carly.
