Beards Behind The Brand: Steve Kelley's Redemption Journey
Welcome back to Beards Behind the Brand, where we shine a light on the brothers in our community who are fighting life’s hardest battles and choosing to get better every single day.
This week, we’re honored to introduce you to Steve Kelley, a father, brother, and man on a mission of redemption.
A Hard Fall
Fifteen years ago, Steve walked away from his family.
At the time, he wasn’t himself. Addiction to Vicodin had taken hold, clouding his judgment and pulling him into a spiral that nearly destroyed him. His faith was damaged, his choices left scars, and he admits he was definitely not the man he wanted to be.
Things got worse before they got better.
Steve eventually found himself homeless, living out of his car, and cut off from nearly everyone. For years, he couldn’t even afford new clothes, socks, or underwear. He describes that season as the lowest of lows, lonely, empty, and full of regret.
But Steve didn’t stay there. He refused to.
A Long Road Back
For the last 15 years, Steve has been fighting to show his kids that he loves them.
He worked to overcome addiction. He put in the effort to be present for his children. He refused to date anyone who wouldn’t mesh with his kids. He showed up at every cheerleading game his daughter had, only missing her national competitions because he couldn’t afford the travel.
He always worked extra jobs to make ends meet, lived with his parents to keep up with child support, and built a new life defined by responsibility and presence.
Three years ago, he changed jobs to spend more time with his daughter as she got older and busier. It wasn’t about career advancement. It wasn’t about money. It was about presence. About time. About being by her side.
His Daughter’s Diagnosis
Just recently, Steve’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
She had struggled with abdominal pain for three years. Then a spike in her protein levels prompted the need for surgery. That’s when they found the cancer.
The night before her surgery to remove cysts, before they even knew it was cancer, Steve prayed:
“God, if You will transfer whatever it is she’s going through, I will carry the illness for her.”
Only a father who has truly walked through fire could pray a prayer like that.
Just days later, his daughter showed him a strength that would change his life forever.
“I know God has a plan for me… and if He wants to call me home, I’m okay with that.”
Her courage lit something inside Steve.
A Father’s Love
On September 30th, his daughter will begin chemotherapy.
She hasn’t lost her hair yet, but Steve knows how deeply her hair is tied to her identity and her career as a hairdresser. And when that day comes, he will be right there with her.
Steve has decided he will shave his beard the same day she starts chemo.
Not for attention. Not for sympathy.
But to show her he’s in this fight with her. All the way.
That this time, he’s not leaving.
And we’ll be documenting the shave to honor this moment of love, courage, and solidarity.
Brotherhood in Action
At Live Bearded, we talk often about Brotherhood being more than the beard.
Steve’s story shows us exactly what that looks like.
It’s about accountability. It’s about redemption. It’s about showing up with actions, not just words. And it’s about love, the kind of love that sacrifices and serves no matter the cost.
Steve, thank you for sharing your journey. You’re showing all of us what it means to fight for your family, to lead with humility, and to become the man God always designed you to be.
We’ve got your back, beard or no beard. And when the time comes, we’ll be right here to help you grow it back, stronger than ever.
That’s why our Live Bearded Brotherhood Foundation is making a donation to help support Steve’s daughter in her fight. If you’d like to follow their journey and stand beside his daughter in hers, you can do so here:
👉 Follow Their Journey and Support Here
No pressure. No obligation. Just Brotherhood.
Live Brave.
Live Bold.
Live Bearded.
