When Survivorship Becomes Friendship: Submitted by Vicki Johns
I first learned of Kendall James in January 2017. After returning to St Mathew’s Preschool after Christmas Break, my grandson, Cooper and his classmates learned of Kendall’s diagnosis of childhood cancer. I then began to follow Kendall’s journey though her mother, Kendra’s Facebook post and Prayers for Kendall James Facebook page.
At this year’s Marshall County’s Relay For Life’s Survivor Meal and Celebration on July 13. I saw Kendall and her mother looking at pictures placed as centerpieces on our tables. I took Kendall to a table that had mine and Kendall picture taken together at last year’s survivor bunch. From that moment on Kendall came over several times to give me big bear hugs and I would place a kiss on the top of her beautiful blonde head.
Kendall has been in my heart and prayers since 2017, but it seems I earned a place in her heart on July 13. Later that evening while Kendra and I exchanged messages. Kendall asked her to invite me to her upcoming birthday party.
Ask me why I Relay? It is because of survivors like Kendall, they are dear to my heart and all future survivors. We are raising funds working toward the day all cancer patients become survivors. As much as I and many others love working to raise funds for Relay, we are praying for the day when there is no longer a reason to Relay because a cure for cancer has been found for all! Until then I prayer Kendall and I have many, many more pictures to be made together!
Vicki Johns
