Honored Kid

Kevin Saarela

Age 23
Kevin Saarela Kid Photo

Location

West Bloomfield, MI, US

Diagnosis

Brain or spinal cord tumor

Date of Diagnosis

February 2008

Status

No evidence of disease

Treated At

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Children's Hospital of Michigan

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My Story

I joke that I see miracles every day. But it is really true. Kevin's determination to be normal and not let this hold him back is amazing. 5 years post-treatment Kevin is getting ready to enter high school. Grades are important to him and he works hard for the A's and B's I see on his report card. He plays basketball, enjoys time with his best friend, looks out for his younger brothers -- and little sister whom he adores --(while sometimes, at the same time, picks fights with them). He reads alot, and in quiet moments I find his eyes glued a books that compete in size with college text books. His room is sometimes messy, but he is great about helping clean up the dinner table without being asked. He is a huge blessing for me on days I don't exactly have it together and need help getting his younger brothers out the door. He has a knack for figuring out the strategy to "level up" on some of his (and his brothers') favorite computer games. As with every parent, I feel blessed beyond measure to have Kevin here. Miracles, to me, are a bunch of answered prayers combined with lots of hard work, a toughness that comes from the soul, love and understanding coupled with a group people willing to be apart of making the miracle happen. Its people, like you, who helped make the miracle of having Kevin here today years before he was even born. Thank you for supporting me and the more than 300,000 kids worldwide who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. By sharing the gifts of your time, talent and money with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you're supporting research to give all kids with cancer a better chance for a cure.

The Childhood Cancer Ripple Effect

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Infants, children, teens and young adults are depending on us to find cures for childhood cancers — and to give survivors long and healthy lives.

Support lifesaving childhood cancer research today.

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