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Kennedy has always been a happy, social child. But, soon after the arrival of her little brother Nate, when she was just two years old, Kennedy began waking up at night screaming in horror. On car rides she would begin screaming that her neck hurt and the pain was inconsolable. Doctors maintained that it was a cry for attention, even when she began to complain that her arms were itchy.

After further investigation and persistence, Kennedy received an MRI at Yale New Haven Hospital and found that she did indeed have a problem, a spinal cord tumor that spanned from C-2 to T-2. Kennedy was never released from the hospital. On October 31, 2002, Kennedy's spinal cord tumor was resected. Pathology was mixed. Her oncologist knew that she either had a grade II or a grade III astroctyoma, and she began treatment for a higher-grade tumor.

After 6 month of intensive chemotherapies, Kennedy got her first clear MRI. She remained tumor free for one year and ended chemotherapy in April of 2004. Her oncologist was willing to consider her cured and cancer free after her next clear MRI scheduled in August, just before her 4th birthday. Unfortunately, the results were not as what was hoped. Her tumor had returned almost to its original size in less than three months.

Kennedy's case was taken to Dr. Jeff Wisoff at NYU who agreed to operate again. Kennedy's second surgery took place on September 9, 2004. Once again pathology was mixed. Kennedy's new neurooncologist, Dr. Jeffery Allen decided to treat the lower grade tumor and Kennedy remained on oral chemotherapy through October 2005.

Five months later her tumor spread throughout her spine and brain. The doctors had no advice to offer. Desperate, Kennedy’s parents put her on a holistic cancer treatment and Kennedy’s tumor has remained stable..

Throughout her journey, Kennedy has consistently remained optimistic. If it weren't for the braces on her legs and limp hand, no one would ever imagine that she has been battling cancer for most of her life. Her gift is her ability to inspire others with her “can do” attitude. Kennedy continues to make gains physically and academically. She works hard to maintain good grades and is at the top of her class. She enjoys skiing through the winter and horseback riding through spring, summer and fall. Kennedy is active in fundraising for children with Cancer. She also participates in runs to raise money for the local food shelter and walks to raise money for a cure for juvenile diabetes. All the while Kennedy continues to inspire her classmates, teachers and neighbors and all whose path she crosses. Her fight continues. We hope she continues to inspire.