Meet Kendrie!
Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Recipient, 2018–2023
Kendrie, 2025
Kendrie was living a happy, carefree childhood when, just after her 4th birthday, everything changed. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The diagnosis came suddenly, and her family immediately stepped into action to save her life. Kendrie began treatment right away: 2½ years filled with surgeries, blood transfusions, lumbar punctures, and countless chemotherapy pills and IV infusions.
Her cancer journey left a lasting impression, but it also ignited a passion to connect with and support others who would one day walk the same difficult path. Even in her hardest moments, Kendrie found strength by looking at how far she had come. When treatment ended, she transitioned into follow-up care and was grateful to enjoy a “normal” childhood and teen years.
In high school, Kendrie was active in soccer, cross-country, and marching band on the saxophone. As she grew older, she began to recognize the power of her experience and the impact it could have on others.
Last of the chemo pills! (2005)
With college on the horizon, she applied for and received the NCCS Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship four years in a row. While studying psychology at Eastern Oklahoma State College and Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Kendrie also participated in the NCCS Mentorship Program. She was paired with two young girls undergoing treatment, an experience she says changed her life. “That’s what entirely ignited my passion and made me realize that I did have a certain perspective and a certain history that could really pave the way towards what I wanted to do,” she said. “It really showcased that I am ultimately always going to be part of the childhood cancer world based on my experience as a patient and a survivor. Since I’m always going to be in the club, I might as well put it to good use and make a difference where I can.”
After completing her master’s degree, Kendrie began coaching soccer at both the middle school and collegiate levels. While she loved coaching, she always hoped for a career within the nonprofit world, supporting people. Within a year, that path led her to become a case manager with the NCCS, supporting families who are now walking the same road her family once traveled.
Kendrie beautifully describes survivorship as “a tunnel, not a cave.” She hopes to be a light for others making their way through that tunnel. As her mom once told her, some of the best moments during treatment came from meeting families whose children were thriving in survivorship. Today, Kendrie strives to be the same source of encouragement:
“Maybe everybody’s light looks a little bit differently based on the diagnosis and a treatment, but I hope to be a light for families facing childhood cancer and the challenges that it brings, both emotionally and financially.”
For Kendrie, childhood cancer is “undoubtedly a cornerstone in my life; however, thanks to the ongoing support of organizations such as NCCS, it is a transformative cornerstone of my heart and mind, rather than a tombstone.”
If you would like to support other childhood cancer survivors in reaching their educational goals through the Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program, click here.