My Kennedy : It's Been Too Long!

Here we are again. September, Cancer Awareness Month. Its been quite a bit since ive kept up with this blog. So much has happened since then, so buckle up. This is going to be one heck of a post.

Honestly, ive been dreading writing here for a while. Its hard for me to look back when life is moving so fast. Sometimes I wish to put aside this part of my life. Its hard for other people to digest the fact that cancer could be so close in anyone's life. I don't want to be viewed differently just because of that. But i've come to terms that this is a very important part of who I am and I think i'd like to preserve the memories that make me who I am.

Throwback to March. Make a Wish had a small zoom meeting with my mom and I. We wanted to get involved more and give back the same way they did for me. Little did we know, they were interviewing me. For what you may ask? Well, a few weeks after that call, they asked me to be a Make A Wish ambassador for their annual gala. I was thrilled!

Shortly after we said yes (without hesitation), they came to my house to interview and document a video of my parents and I. They asked us questions about my treatment, about my wish, and how it impacted me. It stirred up a bunch of emotions I forgot were even there. That same night, they asked if i'd be willing to dance at the event. I hadnt danced in a few months, so I was a bit nervous but I couldn't have said yes any quicker. It was like a dream come true.

We called on one of my favorite teachers/mentors, Hanna Bricston, to choreograph a solo for me. Another dream come true! I practiced for just a month with different coaches and in any space I could find.

When the time came of the event, they treated my family and I like celebrities. I got a full dress rehearsal, by myself along with a second one with the other wish kids. They also provided us with a hotel stay at Navy Pier. When we arrived, they presented me with a banner to display myself with to make sure everyone knew who I was. They also gave me a person to hold my stuff and help me through the night. I called her my stand in grandma.

People congratulated me just for being me. It was crazy cool.

The bulls bucket boys opened up the event - followed by the other wish kids and I who co-mc’d the night alongside Samantha Chatman. Later, I performed. It felt a bit rough but I couldn't care less. I had just danced on a stage in front of almost 800 people. I will never forget that moment. They introduced the mission, Martin Short put on a comedy skit, and we ended the night off with music and dancing. My dad and I went crazy on the dessert table too! Back at the hotel, my dad quickly fell asleep. My mom and I on the other hand stayed up past 2 am looking at our skyline view and reminiscing about the beautiful night, hoping it would never end.

That experience will live in my heart forever. Make a Wish is truly magical and I couldn't be more grateful to help them in such a way that it felt like a second wish for me.

Fast forward to August. I started off sophomore year a bit rough with my social life but its starting to make sense a little more everyday. More the social part, the learning part still gets me. Speaking of which, because of my treatment, I was provided with a 504 plan for school which technically just gives me extended time on work and tests. I can't help but be a bit embarrassed to use it. I daze off often and find it hard to complete or understand my work quickly. It's not that I'm bad at school, it just takes me a bit longer to process. I have to continue to remind myself why I have this plan and that I should use it more often. Crazy, I'm sharing this online, but I think it's important to acknowledge the everlasting side effects of the treatment I received at such a young age. It's not a huge deal, but it's definitely something that crosses my mind often.

Also, in August I officially became 8 years out of treatment or 8 years cancer free, as you will. I typically don't acknowledge it too much but this year I shared that information with my closest friends. My long distance best friend was probably more excited for me than myself. Life is too short not to celebrate the small victories that pass by. Its important to make the best of any situation. My parents taught me that.

Now, September. It's Childhood Cancer Awareness month. A month I'd hope would be acknowledged a bit more. I think people don't realize what this situation is like and how it affects around 15,780 kids and their families each year. The constant doctor visits, the frequent scares, the weekly chemo, which may I add, could kill the child (but in most situations, that's the only option), plus so much more families should absolutely not have to deal with. It breaks my heart when I see such a familiar experience affecting others. Maybe it is just because it hits so close to home that I care so much, but so what. Others should care too. Cancer is real, cancer is scary, and cancer can happen to anyone. Even kids. Around 47 a day in the U.S. So this September, I encourage you to research a little, see the impacts, and hopefully give a little. It doesn't take much to change someone's life, especially when they really need it.

Lifes crazy sometimes. Im more than lucky to have my amazing family to guide me through it. My moms my best friend, my dads my biggest supporter, and my brother always has my back. Not to mention other friends and family who are always there for me (like my best friend, Abby). I'm beyond grateful to be able to have this life. I Couldn't be happier to be able to live it. So, that’s about all I have to say for now.

Until next time, with much love and kisses,

Kennedy

Here are some charities that I love: