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Kamryn
This is Kamryn. She was the ten-year-old daughter of a colleague of mine who lost her battle with cancer last week. In August of 2011, Kamryn was diagnosed with a inoperable brain stem tumor. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital gave her two years when she was only expected to live 6 months. St. Jude continues the commitment to cancer research and to providing excellent care for children at no cost. This is only possible through donations.
I did not have the opportunity to meet Kamryn. Her mother taught part time last year to be available to her daughter, and we spent lunch time together often. She was easy to talk to and seemed to be at peace with Kamryn’s condition. We connected because we both have 3 daughters. I came to love Kathleen and was so saddened to hear of her loss. No one should ever have to bury a child. I went by the funeral home after school. Kathleen greeted me warmly. The atmosphere was celebratory. Teachers had brought gifts for her other daughters, and many children were running around. It was as if Kamryn created an atmosphere of joy.
In November, St. Jude is holding a walkathon. I have joined Kamryn’s team. Please consider supporting this cause and donating through my page: St. Jude Give Thanks Walk.
I talked to my 5th and 6th grade students today about Kamryn. Nigel remembers her from his class in first grade. They were excited to plan a fundraiser at the school. We will hold a school walkathon. The kids had the idea to make a button to sell as well as a color page for donations. Nigel jumped over to the computer and started composing a letter. He wrote that we should honor Kamryn and support her parents in their loss. Even young students understand that we can turn grief and helplessness to action and helpfulness. I have a good feeling about this fundraiser. We’ve decided to be Shining Stars for Kamryn.
Reflections on the Teche 
I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and loss… even reading stories like this makes me ache inside and tremble with fear for my own children. The fact that your students and school are rallying around such a great cause is fabulous. I love St. Jude’s… we support them as a family almost every year.
St. Jude’s offers support and hope when there is so little. My friend’s experience there was very positive. They, too, grieve that another life was lost.
Donated on your page. It’s a tough time to go through, but so nice that there are people to help support the parents. St. Jude’s is an incredible place. How wonderful that they were able to help add some precious time.
Thanks so much for donating. My heart is full of the kind responses. My students, too, are very happy to be doing something positive.
such a beautiful and joyful little girl…how sad for everyone who knew her…I’m so happy that your kids at school want to help too…incredible hospital and wonderful cause…xo
This effort is helping me as well as others deal with this loss. Kamryn’s joy is spreading beyond her time.
A beautiful post – especially the way you inspired your students to respond:
“Even young students understand that we can turn grief and helplessness to action and helpfulness.”
My students are enjoying the process. I am hopeful they take the responsibility that I am placing on them. Will they rise to the expectations? I hope so.
How wonderful that you are doing both things, Margaret, and helping your students know that in such grief, positive caring helps. I’ll go over to the sight now! I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss of her beautiful daughter.
Thanks for your donation, Linda. I know you are dealing with your own grief and have a real understanding of how helpful caring can be. I am glad there is this fundraiser coming up so we can show the family that they are not alone.
I’m so sad for Kathleen and her family. I enjoyed working with both her and her sister during my time there in Iberia Parish. I’m glad places like St. Jude’s can offer families opportunities to have longer time with their loved ones. It’s great that you’re getting your students involved and they have a personal connection, too.