Kaylee is a 4th grader at Schertz Elementary When Kaylee was just 18 months old, her life changed in a way no child should ever have to experience. She was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. While other children her age were learning to talk, play, and explore the world, Kaylee was spending much of her childhood in hospitals, going through chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and countless medical procedures.
Kaylee fought through more than a year of treatment and has now been cancer free for six years. But being a cancer survivor is only one small part of who she is. Today, Kaylee is a 9 year old who loves jujitsu, aerial gymnastics, being with her friends, laughing, and being a kid.
Her story is a reminder that you never truly know what someone else has been through. A classmate might look completely healthy and happy while carrying a story you know nothing about. Kaylee has had some very hard days, but she has also learned how strong, brave, and resilient she can be. Her journey may be different from yours, but the feelings she has experienced, being scared, frustrated, proud, excited, and wanting to belong, are feelings we can all understand.
Most importantly, Kaylee is not just a cancer survivor. She is Kaylee. And she wants her classmates to see her for the girl she is today, while knowing that the incredible journey she has been through is a part of what made her so strong.
