Friendship and Music Keep Kailanie Smiling
Kailanie has been through more yucky stuff than most kids her age — 19 surgeries in her first three years of life. But no matter what, she makes the best of everything.
Preferred to be called by her nickname, Unicorn Superhero Warrior Princess, this unstoppable little girl has lateral meningocele syndrome (LMS), a rare disorder that affects the nervous system. On top of that, Kailanie was also diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) last year.
But as her mom, Vanessa, said, “You just can’t keep her down! She’s just a happy-go-lucky kid.”
MyMusicRx perks Kailanie up and her Chemo Pal mentor, Dan, can always be counted on to brighten her day with his big bag of toys and welcoming smile.
For This Superhero Princess, Friendship is a Powerful Ally
Ever since Kailanie came into the world, she’s faced one hurdle after another. But her frequent visits to the hospital come with a silver lining: her Chemo Pal mentor, Dan.
“Having someone to play with during her appointments has made a tremendous difference. She gets very happy when she sees Dan,” said Jonathan.
Even though Kailanie is non-verbal, Dan says they’ve had no trouble bonding over her favorite activities. “She likes music and playing games, but she especially loves Play-Doh,” he said with a smile. “So, we speak the shared language of Play-Doh.”
CCA’s Chemo Pal Mentor Program marked its 20th year in 2019, surpassing 1,500 friendships made through mentors for seriously ill kids and teens.
Music Makes Every Day Brighter for Kailanie
Despite all her medical challenges, Kailanie isn’t about to let life pass her by. There are just too many things that bring her Joy like dancing, listening to music, or jamming along to her favorite songs with CCA’s MyMusicRx Specialists.
One of her very favorite things to do is to keep tempo with an egg shaker, although she’s been known to switch things up by accompanying her dad on xylophone while he serenades her.
“Music makes her happier — she can be in a down mood, and when the MyMusicRx team walks in and asks if she wants some music, she just lights up,” said Vanessa.
Kailanie is one of nearly 8,000 hospitalized kids whose moods were lifted by music played with CCA’s bedside MyMusicRx Specialists last year.
A Life Lived with Joy
Unlike so many of us, Kailanie doesn’t have to work to find Joy. She embodies pure Joy and inspires others to do the same. That lesson isn’t lost on her Chemo Pal mentor, Dan, who says he’s grateful for all that this courageous little girl has taught him.
“Kailanie has really become a role model for me,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about Joy and resiliency from her.”
You have the power to give Joy to kids like Kailanie — and other kids and teens who are battling serious illness. Thank you!