By: Gail E. Kirkland
With a softly freckled face and a sweet, innocent smile which reveals a few missing teeth, she cheerfully bounced into the library’s children’s area where her dad and I sat talking about how her cancer story began. Kendall Kidd, 8, was diagnosed with PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumors) brain cancer at age 3. Initially given 3-4 months to live, Kendall has defied the odds and mystified her doctors. “Doing nothing, not trying, was not an option for me,” said her dad, John Kidd.
And try they did. Kendall underwent massive tests, biopsies, chemotherapy, stem cell cultivation, radiation, MRIs and PET scans. The whole process was complicated, emotionally and physically difficult. Kendall had a seizure after her first session of chemo, but a shunt inserted into her brain relieved the swelling and drainage problems. After three rounds of chemo at Kosair and three at home, the MRI showed every spot on her brain and those on her spinal column had shrunk—significantly—as much as 50 percent. Doctors continued the MRIs every three months. That initial good report did not continue, however. Even with the full regimen of chemo and radiation, no further progress registered on the MRIs. “Nothing was growing, but nothing was shrinking after a year of treatment,” John said. “They won’t say she’s in remission—yet.”
Kendall finished her treatment in February of 2010. Since then, the original dark spots still appear on the scans, yet no growth or change has been detected in those areas, which is genuine encouragement. Kendall is approaching the coveted five-year survival mark in June. “She is the model for why we push for more birthdays,” said Heather Madewell, the local Relay for Life co-chair. As a Physician’s Assistant-C, Heather admits that she has always had a passion for helping people with cancer, so it was a natural fit to become involved with Relay for Life. This is her second year to co-chair the event.
Kendall will serve as this year’s Relay for Life Grand Marshall. In that role, she will lead the opening “survivor” lap of the race, which runs from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. at College View Middle School. Her incredible survival story offers hope to others battling cancer. Seeing survivors at the race “reminds us why we continue to battle this [cancer] every day,” Heather said. Children and cancer seem to be an odd couple, but the facts and figures are astounding: This year doctors anticipate 10,450 new cases of cancer in children ages 0-14, with 1,350 of those resulting in death.
The Owensboro community can rally around those impacted by cancer and “demonstrate that we will stand together to fight the monster known as cancer,” Heather said. The 12-hour relay event demonstrates “that even when we are tired, we will stay strong and fight on. During the event, friendships are formed, bonds are strengthened, and many funds are raised to help cancer survivors and their needs.”
Relay for Life began in 1985 principally through the efforts of a physician dedicated to helping children with cancer. He ran 83 miles and raised $27,000 that first year. From that point forward, the Relay has focused on “bringing smiles to those who have more grey skies than sunny ones,” according to Heather. This year’s theme is “Celebrating More Birthdays Today,” marking the 100th Anniversary of the American Cancer Society.
Doctors said it would take a miracle for Kendall to survive beyond a few months after her diagnosis. “She is truly a miracle,” said her dad with resounding faith. Then, he shared another miraculous moment. Before she began treatment, Kendall was quite ill, weak from all the vomiting created by the tumors’ pressure on her brain. While lying in her hospital bed with her mother Amanda alongside her, Kendall, then age 3, boldly told her family, “Never give up.” They were speechless. Such a profound thought! Out of the mouth of babes? Kendall didn’t even know she had cancer. She was too young to comprehend everything that was happening around her and to her. Yet, she uttered those words, which took firm root in her family’s fight to save her life. “It was a spiritual thing,” said John, as he shook his head still in disbelief that his young daughter had given them all the encouragement needed for the battle ahead.
John wears three wristbands that speak to his commitment to fight and conquer cancer. One says T-Bird, a 13-year-old who recently lost his battle against brain cancer; another says Pray for Princess Kendall; the third says Relay for Life. Cancer has affected both sides of their family. John’s uncle, who raised him, told the family he wanted to live to see Kendall born; he died of cancer the day after her birth. “There’s something connected between the two of them, because he died of it and then she was diagnosed with cancer . . . she’s going to beat this for both of them,” John said.
Other battles have emerged in addition to Kendall’s cancer. “The biggest challenge, the toughest struggle we have is her learning right now,” John said. Add to that the normal challenges that come with juggling a job, providing parental discipline and raising two children. To see Kendall, you would not guess her to be 8 years old, as she is considerably smaller than others her age. Her 5-year-old brother is already taller than she is. Many questions loom large in her parents’ minds about whether to consider growth hormone treatment. Would or could it re-trigger, re-stimulate the cancer cells?
So, what fuels their positive attitude? What keeps the family uplifted, hopeful? “Prayers . . . Overall, it’s my family in general, but the biggest thing is Kendall, to see how strong she is . . .” said John, who leads a support group for parents of cancer kids. Additional support comes via events like Relay for Life. “Many times, parents and patients don’t want to ask their loved ones for money; being able to donate or fundraise for their cause is always a blessing to them,” Heather said.