Kaylee Rider is seven years-old and wears a scarf on her head because she is bald from battling cancer. The Austin, Texas second grader recently started a campaign to get Mattel to produce a cancer Barbie.

Kaylee's mom, says, "It lets kids know that it's OK to be bald and that you're beautiful even though you don't have any hair. I think it's a wonderful idea. I recently got back from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis,TN and I saw a lot of little boys and girls that are missing hair because of their chemo therapy.

Meet St. Jude Patient of the Month, Kiley :)

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["Kiley was a happy, healthy 9-month-old baby girl. Even at this early stage of life, Kiley's bubbly personality was evident. But one evening during dinner, Kiley's mother noticed an unusual reflection in Kiley's right eye. She immediately contacted a local optometrist, who found that not only was the retina in Kiley's right eye detached, there was also something suspicious about her left eye.

Alarmed, Kiley's parents took her to an ophthalmologist the very next morning. There, Kiley underwent more extensive tests. Within days, the tests revealed heartbreaking news for any parent: There were tumors present in both of Kiley's eyes. The doctor suspected retinoblastoma, a type of cancer of the eye, and immediately referred Kiley and her family to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

At St. Jude, doctors confirmed the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Kiley underwent 11 rounds of chemotherapy and several laser surgeries on her eyes. Sadly, she has lost the sight in her right eye, but doctors believe the vision in her left eye has been spared. Kiley is now finished with treatment, but visits St. Jude every four weeks for checkups.

Kiley's mom is grateful for everything St. Jude has provided for her family. "I knew St. Jude covered treatment-related costs," she said. "But I just had no idea they would cover our housing, mileage and meals when we’re here. Everything is taken care of for us, and that’s a huge weight off of our shoulders."

Kiley is an outgoing, funny girl. She loves to play with her baby dolls and color, and she's close to her big sister. "St. Jude is a wonderful place," said her mom. "Kiley has stayed happy. They do everything they can for her."] - countrycares.org

The thing that impressed me the most  is that they don't think about their lack of hair like you think they would. St Jude is such a place of hope, and the hospital and staff does so much to comfort them, that they don't even think about it.   " Anyone interested in joining the push for the cancer Barbie can go the campaign's Facebook page, facebook.com/beautifulandbaldbarbie.

Our St. Jude Radio-athon will Be February 23-24.

 

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