While we all know how strong and resilient our young cancer fighters are, to understand their journey fully, we must walk the path with them – the whole course. In June of 2021, we introduced you to the story of Kenny.
A two-time fighter of ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.) He was first diagnosed at ten years old and then again at 13. Despite having the “good” kind of cancer – which references the high percentage of children who experience successful treatment the first time around- Kenny had to re-enter treatment in March of 2021. He endured 90 days in the hospital, had two minor surgeries, one major surgery to remove half of his right lung, positive covid, bone marrow transplant, chemo, radiation, countless scans, pneumonia, and fungal infection in his spine. And Kenny stood on his own two feet to ring the bell.
After fighting for four years, Kenny was able to claim a victory. That was on September 21st. Less than two weeks later, Kenny was back in the hospital fighting for his life with another infection. Kenny is a warrior beyond compare and has not given up. He still fights and looks forward to realizing his future. To this day, Kenny is still in the hospital. Effectively, he has been in the hospital for almost six straight months. That is the thing about childhood cancer it has a way of staying with you. Yes, we celebrate the victories – but there are so many more challenging days that these warriors simply face with all the feelings and grace and strength that it takes to get to the next victory, the next sunny day.
That is why the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation exists. We can do better for these children. We can find treatments and cures that have far less toxicity. We can find cures that don’t leave a child struggling to walk, breathe, hear, learn. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to this mission and vision. Thank you for walking with us, and thank you for walking with the children who face childhood cancer.
We are rooting for you Kenny, Keep up the fight!
