Episode 9
Added Strength - In Memory of Kelson “Bub” Loveland with special guest, Becky Loveland - Mom of Kelson
Welcome to the Middle Age(ish) Podcast, hosted by Ashley Bedosky, Lisa Kelly, Dr. Pam Wright, and Trisha Kennedy Roman. In this episode, we talk with Becky Loveland, mom of Kelson “Bub” Loveland.
CONTENT WARNING >This episode discusses grief and the loss of a child.
Webster’s Dictionary defines Kelson (variant spelling of Keelson) as a longitudinal structure running above and fastened to the keel of a ship in order to stiffen and strengthen its framework. The name couldn’t have been more fitting for a very special and strong little boy named Kelson “Bub” Loveland. Kelson’s strength and the love from his family, allowed him to beat the odds and live on this earth for almost 9 years. Although he was non-verbal, he spoke to the hearts of everyone he encountered, and his legacy continues to touch the lives and hearts of so many.
Kelson’s mom, Becky Loveland, lovingly shared Kelson’s story with us, including some of the many medical issues and surgeries that Kelson faced. She also gave us a glimpse of Kelson’s big personality, from his favorite toys to his happy squeals.
Becky is truly such an amazing example of strength, faith, and love. She is truly a light of hope. “I have made a choice. I'm wearing a little bracelet right now that says, Choose Joy. I have a shirt that says Choose Joy, because I have to choose that.”—Becky Loveland
Through their own unimaginable grief, Andy (Kelson’s dad), Becky, and Emma Sue (Kelson’s big sister) rallied together with their families and friends to honor Kelson’s life in big ways!
They formed the non-profit organization, Added Strength Inc., in honor of the meaning behind Kelson’s name. Through this organization, they have touched so many lives by raising money for various charities that had impacted Kelson’s life along the way.
Through Added Strength Inc., they created Bub’s Run, a 5K and 1-mile race held each year that is dedicated to the inclusion of all athletes of any ability. They created Bub’s Buddies, and through a partnership with Speed for Need, athletes who are wheelchair-bound can participate with teams of volunteers to push their chairs to the finish line.
2023 Bub’s Run will be held very soon, on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The location is North Cobb Christian School, 4500 Eagle Dr., Kennesaw GA 30144, and will begin at 7:30am. This year’s cause is the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
While we know many of our listeners are in other states and even other countries, we would love for you to join the hosts of Middle Ageish, who have registered as virtual runners for the race. Together we can help honor the legacy of this remarkable little boy, and help Added Strength Inc. continue to touch the lives of many.
To register for Bub’s Run (as an in-person or virtual participant) or to make a donation, visit https://addedstrength.org/get-involved/bubs-run/
Will you join us as virtual runners for Bub’s Run?
Connect with us!
Visit our website: https://www.middleageish.com
Instagram: @middleageish
TikTok: @middleageish
Facebook: @middleageishpodcast
YouTube: @middleageishpodcast
Twitter: @middleageishpod