Donna Kelce has spent years cheering for her sons, Travis and Jason, through some of the biggest moments of their football careers. But away from the stadium, the NFL mom has also been paying attention to something far more personal: the health of people around her. In January 2025, Donna joined actress Brooke Shields for a health awareness event in Kansas City, where she shared an emotional account of watching friends struggle with shingles. Her words carried a message about pain, missed moments and the importance of taking care of one’s health before it is too late.
Donna Kelce shared emotional account of friends suffering from shingles
On January 18, 2025, Donna Kelce hosted a VIP brunch in Kansas City as part of GSK’s THRIVE@50+ campaign. The initiative encourages adults aged 50 and older to understand their risk of shingles and discuss prevention with healthcare professionals. Brooke Shields, Gina Torres and Roselyn Sanchez also took part in the awareness effort.The event took place ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans. However, the conversation moved beyond football when Donna discussed how the condition had affected people close to her.Speaking with Brooke, Donna Kelce recalled seeing friends deal with the painful illness. Her comments offered a glimpse into why she wanted to support the campaign.“I’ve had a few friends that have developed shingles. It’s a very painful disease. You miss out on the most precious moments in your life because you cannot be the person you want to be because you’re in pain. If you do get this particular disease, it’s not an easy one.”Her words highlighted an often overlooked part of illness. Pain does not only affect the person experiencing it. It can also take away opportunities to spend time with family, attend celebrations and enjoy everyday experiences.Donna did not say that she had personally suffered from shingles. Instead, she spoke about witnessing its effects on her friends.
Donna Kelce urged people to take responsibility for their health
Donna’s message did not stop with sharing her friends’ experiences. She also used the campaign to encourage people to become more aware of their health, particularly as they grow older.In an interview shared by the campaign, she stressed the importance of making personal well-being a priority.“Everybody needs to take ownership of their health, regardless of age. That’s the most important thing you can do.”She also offered practical advice to people concerned about shingles, saying:“Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your risk for shingles and about prevention.”Donna had another personal reason for taking part in the campaign. During her appearance, she explained how staying healthy helps her remain present for her family.“One of the most important things that I do to be there for my sons is prioritize my health so I can be here to support them in everything they do. It’s the most important time of the year, playoff season,” Donna said. “And you know me, I’ll never miss a chance to support my boys.”Her comments appeared in a January 19, 2025, report by Us Weekly, following the Chiefs’ playoff appearance.The campaign itself had been announced on September 16, 2024, when GSK revealed its partnership with Brooke Shields. Donna was among the women featured in the initiative, which aimed to encourage conversations about healthy ageing and shingles prevention.On March 20, 2025, The Times of India revisited Donna’s comments, highlighting her emotional account of watching friends experience the condition.For Donna, the message was not about football victories or public attention. It was about protecting the ability to enjoy life’s important moments. Her experience watching friends struggle with pain gave her a reason to speak up, while her role as a mother offered another reminder of why good health matters.She has spent much of her life showing up for Jason and Travis. Now, she is encouraging others to look after themselves so they can keep showing up for the people they love.