Hard work and perseverance have never eluded Jim Kelly, who grew up as one of five boys in a blue-collar Pennsylvania town. In 11 record-setting seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Kelly was revered for his rocket-launching arm and linebacker mentality. With super-human strength and never-ending determination, Kelly made miracles happen on the football field.

	Jim Kelly finished his career with the Buffalo Bills with 35,467 passing yards.

Toughness and grit personify his very existence. But if you ask Kelly, the five-time Pro Bowler will tell you that his toughness on the field doesn't compare to what his 5-year-old son, Hunter, has endured his whole life. Hunter, whom Jim lovingly refers to as his "little buddy," suffers from Krabbes disease, a rare enzyme disorder that destroys the nervous system. There is no cure.

Each day Hunter displays strength and courage, not against blitzing defenses but against cancerous cells poisoning his tiny frame. Hunter has surpassed a life expectancy of 14 months by toughing-out more than 15 bouts of life-threatening pneumonia. Hunter battles every day -- not for extra yardage or six points, simply for one more day.

On Feb. 14, 1997, Jill Kelly gave birth to the couple's first son. His arrival was a special gift on both Valentine's Day and Jim's 37th birthday. Hunter came into the world in seemingly perfect health. But within three months, he began experiencing stiffness and became increasingly irritable. What doctors initially thought was colic became more severe. The Kellys' concerns grew as Hunter's symptoms progressed.

In September of that year, Hunter was diagnosed with Krabbes disease, one of 10 leukodystrophies. Though a cure has yet to be found, the family researched and applied treatments, both medical and holistic, to make their little guy's life as comfortable as possible. They also established Hunter's Hope, a foundation that has raised awareness as well as millions of dollars in donations and research grants.

Hunter's daily regimen includes chest therapy and Jacuzzi soaks, and he spends most of his time hanging out on a big comfortable couch in the Kelly home. Because Krabbes affects motor skills, he can't swallow. He's fed through tubes and relies on oxygen tanks to breathe. Though his face is seemingly void of expression, Hunter communicates through his bright green eyes, either opening them wide, blinking or raising his eyebrows to express himself.

	Kelly doesn't want the (Hall of Fame induction) experience to be bittersweet. He wants it to be perfect -- with his wife, son and two girls, Erin and Camryn, by his side.

Jim anticipates seeing those eyes light with enthusiasm this weekend when he's inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's counting the days until Saturday, not only in anticipation of the honor and prestige of achieving football immortality, but because he wants to be certain his "little buddy" is there to share the moment and celebration.

Literally thousands of family and friends will be joining the Kellys in Canton to celebrate Jim's NFL career that consisted of six consecutive playoff berths, four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, 35,467 career passing yards and 237 touchdowns. They've booked more than 500 hotel rooms for what could potentially become the biggest party the state of Ohio has ever seen.

Certainly the day will be one filled with emotion. And Kelly doesn't want the experience to be bittersweet. He wants it to be perfect -- with his wife, son and two girls, Erin and Camryn, by his side. Because each day spent with Hunter is a precious gift, this weekend is about much more than Jim's NFL records and accomplishments -- it's a celebration of life, love and triumph.

To join Jim Kelly and his family in the fight to find a cure, or to learn more about Krabbes disease, visit www.huntershope.org