Kelsey Dawn Pirtle, age 26, of Jackson, Tennessee, left this world on July 7, 2026, after a brief battle with Melanoma. She was born on September 1, 1999.

Kelsey graduated from Chester County High School in May 2017 and continued her education at Bethel University, where she attended on a volleyball scholarship. She was certified as a Dental Assistant and worked at Patterson Dentistry in Medina, TN.

As Kelsey built a promising career and embraced life after college, she remained attentive to her health. Because Kelsey’s aunt is a dermatologist, she had regular skin checks as part of focusing on her health. In October 2025, she noticed a spot on her left abdomen and had it tested on November 5th. On November 12th, she learned that it was melanoma measuring at least 0.8 mm deep. She was referred to a surgeon, who removed the spot and one lymph node on December 1st with the results coming back clear. In February 2026, however, Kelsey developed swelling and soreness in the lymph nodes of her left groin. After an ultrasound and consultation with her surgeon, she chose to have the affected lymph node removed on March 30, and testing confirmed metastatic melanoma.

On April 3rd, Kelsey met with a medical oncologist who set her up for a PET scan and a CT of the brain on April 10th and 11th. Both scans came back normal with no signs of melanoma anywhere. At this point, the oncologist recommended that Kelsey undergo immunotherapy treatments every six weeks for a year, just as a precautionary measure. After two treatments, they would then schedule for Kelsey to have all her lymph nodes in her left groin removed. On April 22nd, she had her first round of Keytruda and showed just a few side effects for a couple of days. Her next treatment was scheduled for June 3rd.

Around the first of June, Kelsey began experiencing worsening headaches, nausea that led to vomiting, and loss of hearing in her left ear. Because these symptoms were listed as possible side effects of immunotherapy, she believed them to be related to her treatment.

About a week and a half later, Kelsey developed stroke-like symptoms. They immediately went to the emergency room in Memphis, where doctors found a brain tumor as well as lesions on her liver and spleen. A liver biopsy was performed on July 2, but before the results were received, Kelsey’s condition worsened. Although she fought hard, she ultimately lost her battle with melanoma on July 7th, 2026.

Kelsey was a beautiful young woman who genuinely loved life and was a light for all to see. Her infectious smile, kind heart, and outgoing personality made her the life of every gathering. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. She was an outstanding athlete who enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, and golf. Above all, Kelsey loved her family and friends. She faced life's challenges with remarkable courage, grace, and unwavering strength, leaving an example of faith and perseverance that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

Though her time on this earth was far too short, Kelsey's love, laughter, smile, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten!!

Donations can be made in Kelsey’s memory to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). To donate by check, please note “In Memory of Kelsey Pirtle” in the memo line and send to the address below:

Melanoma Research Foundation

P.O. Box 719329

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19171-9329.