Kamryn’s Story

Kamryn Elizabeth Dorsey was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) on August 1, 2011 at the age of 8.  DIPG is a rare type of brain tumor that starts in the brain stem on an area called the pons. A child diagnosed with DIPG today faces the same prognosis as a child diagnosed 40 years ago. There is still no effective treatment and no chance of survival. Only 10% of children with DIPG survive for 2 years following their diagnosis, and less than 1% survive for 5 years.

Kamryn received radiation treatments at St. Jude and participated in a clinical trial.  Although her prognosis was grim, she surpassed the odds and survived a little over 2 years.  During those 2 years, she was able to attend school, continue dancing (her favorite activity), and make memories with her younger sisters.  We were able to take 2 trips to Disney World (one was her “Make a Wish” trip), and go on a 7-day cruise. We are extremely grateful to St. Jude for the outstanding care we received and continue to receive even after her passing.

Here are a few reasons why St. Jude is such an amazing place.

• St. Jude provides housing for their patients and parents during treatment and follow-up appointments.
• St. Jude pays for transportation (air-fare or cost of gas) for the patient and a parent.
• St. Jude provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay, whether in the form of cafeteria credit at the hospital or grocery cards for long-term stays.
• No one receives a bill from St. Jude for any services provided…EVER!
• St. Jude provides many fun activities and functions at the hospital to help patients take their mind off of their circumstances.
• Counseling is provided for patients throughout their treatment.
• St. Jude remembers our children even after their passing by hosting a “Remembrance Day” free of charge for the families of these patients.
• St. Jude continues to provide research for even the most aggressive types of childhood cancer, such as DIPG, even though they have not had a breakthrough in 40 years.

These and many more reasons are why we continue to support St. Jude.  They treat the “entire” child and their family.

Although we miss our sweet, little girl dearly, we want to honor her memory by spreading awareness and supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.