Our Warriors Who Inspire Us

Kenzlee was an outgoing and sweet 5-year-old who valiantly battled a highly aggressive and inoperable brain cancer known as DIPG. Kenzlee enjoyed being outdoors so much so that she'd been known to sneak out the doggy door. Some of her favorite activities were camping, playing on the swing set, anything in the snow, and swimming. She was a skilled little jokester, always telling jokes and popping out of hiding spots to scare people. Kenzlee was so full of energy that in preschool she was honored with the Spunky Spirit award by her teacher. She had a wildly funny sense of humor and could make you laugh so hard your stomach hurt. She never let a moment go by without letting the ones she loved know just how important they were to her with hugs and kisses.

At the age of 4, Kenzlee began tilting her head sideways and at times would grab it from excruciating pain. She also began vomiting in the mornings. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with DIPG on August 17, 2019. Following diagnosis, Kenzlee did her best not to let this horrific disease get the best of her. While she was not able to do everything she loved, she adjusted and found new activities that brought her joy such as coloring, painting and drawing.

Kenzlee fought courageously for 14 months before she passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at the age of 5. She was incredibly brave and so strong. She made the most out of a bad situation and remained a positive, loving little girl. Kenzlee's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Cure Starts Now to help find a cure for the very disease that took their precious Kenzlee.