Jim Kelly has been here before, in ways no parent or grandparent ever wants to be. Years after losing his son Hunter to Krabbe leukodystrophy, Kelly named his grandson Beau Hunter Bean in his memory, only to watch history echo itself. Born with unexpected medical complications, Beau spent the first 38 days of his life in pediatric cardiac care. Once “Little Bean” was discharged, the family thought the worst was over. But now Kelly is asking for prayers and support of the Buffalo Bills community again as the family navigates renewed uncertainty.

“Please pray for my grandson! Thank you!” Kelly wrote on his Instagram story, resharing his daughter’s Instagram story.

This update came shortly after Jim’s oldest daughter, Erin Kelly-Bean, shared a glimpse of normalcy. In her Instagram story, she posted a photo of baby Beau sitting in his high chair, his mouth stained blue, evidence of his very first encounter with blueberries. According to his mother, he found them to be “sooo yummy!!” But, along with the photo, she also revealed that Little Bean had a critical medical test scheduled for the following day, asking her followers to pray for a positive outcome.

The road has been rocky for Beau Hunter Bean since the moment he arrived. Kelly first revealed the family’s situation in mid-July, calling the birth a time of “deep joy” that also came with “unexpected medical complications.” At the time, the family chose not to share specific details, instead leaning on their faith and the support of those closest to them. Shortly after, Kelly shared that his grandson would undergo a procedure on July 16.

“Little Brave Bean’s procedure is scheduled for 7am tomorrow morning,” Kelly wrote in a joint post with his wife, Jill. “He is so strong and courageous. And his life has already changed our lives forever.”

Baby Beau spent more than a month fighting for his life in a pediatric cardiac care unit. The celebrations around Kelly becoming a grandfather were replaced by long hospital nights, constant monitoring, and quiet prayers. For a Hall of Famer who had already endured cancer and profound personal loss, this was a different kind of test. During those early days, Jim and Jill described the experience as some of the family’s “darkest days,” marked by waiting, worry, and what they called “desperate prayer.”

By mid-July, there was a glimmer of hope.

“Little Bean’s procedure is complete—and everything went well,” Kelly informed his fans. 

For the entire 38-day hospital stay, the Kelly family spent day and night at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Jim and Jill shared the emotional rollercoaster publicly, describing those weeks as filled with “wondering and worrying.” One particularly encouraging moment came when Kelly announced that Beau had been taken off the ventilator, calling it a “huge answer to prayer” while acknowledging the family was still on a long healing journey.

When Beau was finally cleared to go home on August 17, the family celebrated it as nothing short of a miracle.

“THE BEST UPDATE: Erin and Parker said it best…Home ♥️,” Kelly wrote, resharing his daughter and son-in-law’s words. “After 38 days in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Center, we’re finally home.”

Deeply moved by the care his grandson received, Kelly later returned to Golisano Children’s Hospital to personally thank the staff who helped Beau through his most fragile days.

Jim Kelly’s grandson is named after his late son

Little Bean’s addition to the Kelly family carries a weight far beyond a typical birth. He is named after Jim’s only son, Hunter Kelly, who passed away in 2005. 

Hunter was born on his father’s birthday, February 14, in 1997. Though he appeared healthy at first, he was soon diagnosed with Krabbe leukodystrophy, a rare and fatal nervous system disorder. Doctors predicted Hunter wouldn’t survive past his second birthday. 

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But he defied all odds and lived for eight years. He was the inspiration for the “Hunter’s Hope” foundation, which has since raised millions for neurological research.

The connection between the late Hunter and his new nephew became even more touching during Baby Beau’s hospital stay. For a month, Little Bean had to rely on oxygen support, which was weaned off on August 5, the same date the Kelly family honors as “Hunter’s Heaven Day”

Having survived his own public battle with oral cancer and the loss of his son, Jim is no stranger to resilience. Even after Beau’s return home, the family has remained clear that the journey is ongoing, noting that his heart “still has a lot of healing ahead.” As new tests approach, the Kelly family continues to lean on their faith and the unwavering support of Bills Mafia, who have stood beside them through decades of triumph, heartbreak, and hope.