NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — One Tampa Bay area mom is taking her journey through life and sharing her story. All with a singular message: living life to its fullest.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa Bay resident Kelli Stuart is taking her journey through life and sharing her story of breast cancer survival

  • Stuart's passion for storytelling inspired her to go into theatre and become an actor
  • In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer, putting a halt in her endeavors
  • Now, in a lead role on the stage and a supporting role in an upcoming film, Stuart has reignited her love for storytelling while sharing her message

It’s a message that is also the inspiration behind a soon-to-be released film this Tampa mom helped produce.

“I’ve always just been fascinated with telling stories and telling good stories,” Kelli Stuart said.

For Stuart, the art of storytelling is a passion, and the theatre is her love, coinciding with one another throughout her life.

“I have had a rough few years leading up to this, and this — it just feels like a breath of fresh air to do something like this,” says the actor and producer.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer, going through round after round of treatments.

“Once I got through it, (I got to) the other side, and I’m thankfully in remission. It sounds super cliché, but it was like life is too short," said  Stuart. "There’s no more time to waste and I said, let’s take advantage of this. So, I auditioned for 'The Sound of Music.'"

Stuart’s journey in acting didn't quite stop there. Aside from playing the lead role of Maria in Richey Suncoast Theatre’s upcoming production of "The Sound of Music," she also played a supporting role in an upcoming film she helped produce, titled "Parabel," a film about second chances.

“It’s just a lovely ensemble cast of extremely talented authors that have brought this really beautiful, hard, but also redemptive story to life," Stuart said.

The film also helped Stuart during her time of recovery, finding a source of inspiration to reignite her passion for storytelling.

“Being around all of these talented people is just so energetic to me and yes, as I was recovering, it gave me something to really look forward to," said Stuart. "I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but I’m so grateful to be a part of it all.”

Having her own shot at a second chance both in life and on the stage.

“I think Richey Suncoast Theatre is a gift to a lot of people," Stuart said. "They do a lot of things for the community, and so I think it’s really special to air this film here for the first time.”

A message — and story — Stuart believes is worth sharing.

The Richey Suncoast Theatre will be having a special red carpet premiere for "Parabel" on Sept. 20. Get more information and buy tickets on the Richey Suncoast Theatre website.