Dear Good News Magazine,
– Sincerely, Kathy Young
My 13-year-old granddaughter Kaemey
Young is my hero — and a hero to many
others — as she continues her battle against
acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She’s not a
firefighter, a policeman, a nurse, or a first
responder, but heroes come from many
different walks of life. Kaemey fights like
a champion to ring the bell and be free of
cancer. She is one special kid!
KAEMEY YOUNG raised her arms and studied the bright red blotches. Why was she breaking out in hives on her upper body again? In October 2024, an allergist ruled out several culprits, including food allergies and sensitivities to detergent or fragrances in her body wash. Kaemey’s parents, Brett and Kayla, insisted on further testing, so blood work was ordered.
On Nov. 6, 2024, their lives changed forever. Kaemey said, “The results of my blood work showed my white blood cell count was extremely low. I was then referred to a hematologist-oncologist. They completed more blood work and a week later performed a bone marrow biopsy, which detected my leukemia.”
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for less than 1% of all cancers in the United States but is the most common childhood cancer, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Symptoms can include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising and bleeding, bone and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, pale skin, unintentional weight loss, and shortness of breath.
Before her diagnosis, Kaemey split her time between family, school, playing basketball, and attending church, where she was involved with her youth group. But everything suddenly changed.
“Leukemia took me out of almost everything. I couldn’t go to school. I couldn’t go to church. I couldn’t play sports. I had to be careful around a lot of people, so I couldn’t spend time with my friends or my family.”
Love and support have followed Kaemey’s diagnosis. “I always knew Shelbyville was a special place, but the way people have truly shown up has been incredible. Even surrounding communities — and people I don’t even know — have reached out, prayed for me, and sent gifts. The kindness and generosity I’ve experienced have been nothing short of amazing, and it reminds me how powerful a community can be.”
As Kaemey’s healthy red blood cells and platelets are depleted in her bone marrow, her risk of infection increases and her energy levels plummet. A blood transfusion or an infusion of platelets from a carefully selected donor — though only temporarily — makes her feel like herself again. However, donations of blood are hovering at critically low levels, so Kaemey’s sister, Kaegan, hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross of Tennessee.
On June 19, 2025, more than 50 people donated for the first time, and the American Red Cross collected 158 units while Kaemey and her family personally thanked each of the 131 donors.
“I’m so grateful for the ways God has provided support through the people around me and through my community. My coaches have helped me feel involved; my youth pastor live-streams class; and my child life specialist, Morgan, is always there to comfort me when I need it most. I am also touched by my community’s incredible response to my sister’s blood drive, the 5K run held for my family last spring, and the raffle held for my family by local businesses. God’s love has definitely shown through all the kindness.”
Pray. Praise. Persevere. These three words, spoken by Kaemey’s friend, Kennedy, have helped get her through times when the battle threatens to overwhelm her. “This is a reminder that prayers give me strength, praise keeps my heart lifted, and perseverance helps me push forward no matter what comes my way.”
Recording TikTok videos, building with Legos on the hospital tray, or playing a game of cards — these are the moments that make this journey bearable for the Young family.
“Living with leukemia is more than just going through treatments,” Kaemey said. “It affects every part of daily life. There are good days and hard days, and sometimes even the simplest things take more energy than you’d expect. This isn’t just a physical battle, but an emotional one, too, with moments of fear, uncertainty, and frustration. But at the same time, I have learned to appreciate the little victories and the importance of patience and hope. What means the most is when people show grace, compassion, and understanding — because that support makes this journey feel a little less heavy.”
Kaemey described her journey in one word: inspirational. “I hope my journey encourages others to keep fighting and to trust God no matter their circumstances. Even in the hardest moments, I want people to see that faith, perseverance, and hope can carry them through, and that God’s love is always present to guide and strengthen them.”
As her grandmother, Kathy Young, said in her letter, one day soon Kaemey will ring that bell. Her battle with leukemia will end. But the lessons she learned will endure. “I am stronger than I ever thought. Life has tested me in ways I never expected, but I have discovered strength, resilience, and courage I didn’t even know I had,” Kaemey said. GN
