Meet Kennedi – Wilm’s Tumor Warrior
“The NCCS has made a huge impact on our family. During times when I wasn’t able to get Kennedi to her appointments, they stepped in and made sure we didn’t miss what was important. That kind of support means everything...I am forever grateful for the care, compassion, and help they’ve given us,” shared Mea, Kennedi's mom.
Born on December 22, 2024, Kennedi is a joyful, energetic little girl who loves to play, run, and explore, especially at the park. But just weeks after celebrating her first birthday, her family’s world was turned upside down.
In early January 2026, Kennedi’s mom, Mea, noticed something wasn’t right. Her daughter’s belly was swollen and felt hard on one side. At first, doctors believed she may be constipated, but Mea trusted her instincts. She returned to the doctor and advocated for further testing, and that decision changed everything.
On January 7, 2026, Kennedi was diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor.
Mea shared, “Our journey with Kennedi has been one of the hardest things we’ve ever faced as a family. In the very beginning, it was overwhelming and honestly heartbreaking. There were so many unknowns, so many emotions, and so many moments where I didn’t know how we would get through it.”
What followed was a whirlwind. Kennedi immediately started her first round of chemotherapy, which was especially difficult, bringing intense nausea and discomfort. At the same time, she underwent three surgeries. Mea described feeling like they had lived at the hospital, navigating fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion all at once. Still, she continues to fight with remarkable resilience
“But watching Kennedi, her strength, her courage, and her ability to keep going no matter what, made me stronger. She became my reason to keep pushing forward, even on the hardest days,” Mea shared. “It hasn’t been easy. We’ve had good days and we’ve had really tough ones. But through it all, we stayed strong, and love has always been at the center of everything.”
The journey has impacted the entire family, including Kennedi’s 12-year-old sister, who has quietly carried the emotional weight of her baby sister’s diagnosis. With support, she is beginning to heal, as the family learns to navigate this new normal together.
“One thing I can truly say is that we have been blessed with an incredible support system. From family and friends to organizations like the NCCS, we have never felt alone in this fight,” Mae said.
And yet, with each positive update, their hope grows stronger, carrying them forward, one day at a time. On her good days, Kennedi is full of life, running, playing, and enjoying trips to the park.
HOW WE HELPED
Traveling nearly an hour each way for treatment, the family has relied on support from The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS). Support from the Transportation Assistance Fund helped ensure Kennedi can make it to every single appointment.
“The NCCS has made a huge impact on our family. During times when I wasn’t able to get Kennedi to her appointments, they stepped in and made sure we didn’t miss what was important. That kind of support means everything, especially when you’re already carrying so much. I am forever grateful for the care, compassion, and help they’ve given us,” Mea shared.
Kennedi’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of the unexpected, strength, love, and unwavering determination can carry a family forward. And through it all, families like hers are not alone. The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) remains committed to supporting children and their loved ones as they navigate the unimaginable, providing critical resources, compassionate care, and hope when it’s needed most.