If you were to meet Kennedy for the first time today you would see a lovely and animated five year old girl, so full of life and enthusiasm, eager to celebrate every moment of her present and future. It might astonish you to know that just 18 months ago Kennedy was coming to the victorious end of an almost three year battle with cancer.
In January of 2009 Kennedy was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a malignant life threatening tumor in her lower abdomen. Along with the hopes, prayers and support of her family Kennedy fought vigorously with the aid of Chemotherapy, Radiation and multiple Surgeries’.
In late 2009, after completing multiple rounds of Chemotherapy and Radiation, Kennedy was cleared to end treatment having no signs of cancer left. We were excited, overjoyed and grateful for the miraculous news. Over the next three months we watched in amazement as the color came back to her face, along with her hair and chubby little cheeks. She was happy playing with her brothers, looking forward to starting pre-school and just over all feeling well. As much as we tried to will it, our days would not stay sunny for long. Excitement would be cut short do to one late afternoon phone call informing us of news that we hoped would never come.
Kennedy’s Cancer was not gone, in fact because the Sarcoma had managed to with stand the previous treatment the Dr.’s would have to be much more aggressive for her to survive. Before the end of 2009 Kennedy was back in treatment and she would not finish until July of 2011. Never the less finish she would, triumphantly! Today, Kennedy is enjoying the freedom of a treatment free life again. She will be celebrating her fifth birthday in June; it will be her first cancer free birthday since she was one year old.
While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt ~
