Kathryn

Our daughter Kathryn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June 2016 at age 7. She ended treatment in November of this past year, and is doing well. From that first week inpatient at diagnosis, Smile-A-Mile has been by our family’s side every step of the way. Inpatient activities, camp (both Family and Youth), Smile-A-Mile Place…we so appreciate the family and community that SAM creates.
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I asked Kathryn to tell me about what Smile-A-Mile means to her: I first met Smile-A-Mile in the hospital when I was diagnosed, at Bingo during the Hospital Outreach Program. It was fun being able to leave my room and meet other kids. One other time when I was in the hospital I wasn’t able to leave my room…they let me play Bingo from my room using the phone! I have been to Youth Camp three years now. The first year I was bald, and it was so nice being with kids who understood. The counselors are all so nice, and every year I’m sad when I have to leave. I remember that I cried the first year on the way home because I didn’t want it to be over. I have made so many good friends at camp. I also love the Monkey C Monkey Run race! I had so much fun running with my SAM friends today.