Meet ASK kid Kayleigh

Courageous.  Spirited.  Happy.  Passionate.  All words that describe Kayleigh, a twelve-year-old girl who also happens to have cancer.  Kayleigh was diagnosed last year with Metastatic Ovarian Cancer, or “Yolk Sac,” stage 3, a type of cancer only seen in one percent of diagnoses worldwide.
 
In spite of her constant chemotherapies, multiple surgeries to remove tumors as they spread and radiation treatments, Kayleigh continues to enjoy playing with her sisters and cousins, keeping-up with schoolwork, and is a gifted artist.  “I love anime,” explains Kayleigh.  “I love making-up characters and stories.  It’s relaxing to draw, and I enjoy Cosplay and dressing up as some of the characters I create.”
 
Kayleigh’s cancer is spreading, but she is a fighter.  “I’m not done yet.  I’m not giving up,” defies Kayleigh.   She understands that her tumors are unresponsive to treatments, but is committed to living life to its fullest and will soon start another trial of chemotherapy in hopes of slowing the growth.  

Kayleigh’s mom, Ashley, says it’s important for her to be part of the decision-making process.  “It’s her body and we have all medical discussions with her so she can ask questions and have input.  Her maturity and ability to make difficult decisions at such a young age absolutely amazes me.”
 
An inspiration to all who meet her, Kayleigh’s spunk and grit keep her strong.  “Even when she feels awful, she has a smile on her face.  She just keeps pushing through the pain.  That kid is a force to be reckoned with,” exclaims Ashley.
 
“When we’ve needed help staying positive, ASK has been with us to lift us, support us, provide financial assistance and pray with us,” continues Ashley.  “Little things like random gift cards in the mail, treasure boxes for the girls when we’re in clinic, the back-to-school shopping spree, food vouchers for when we spend all day in clinic or when Kayleigh is in-patient, and fun activities like Prom have been our lifelines throughout this process.”
 
Eleanor Roosevelt described courage as “grace under pressure.”  Kayleigh is a powerhouse of courage, grace and life, and an ASK kid who’s showing everyone how to live through your most difficult moments with a smile. 

Kayleigh gives her sisters a hug during the ASK Kourageous Kids photo shoot, July 2019.

Kayleigh and Miss Katie, ASK's child life specialist, enjoying the clinic Valentine's Day party.