Lena was 18 months old when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and endured five rounds of intense chemotherapy. After months of treatment, she was able to leave the hospital but still needed a year of treatment and blood draws. A friend then referred us to Kids Kicking Cancer. Lena attended several classes before the pandemic and formed a bond with her Senseis. Â
With the switch to online classes, we were grateful for the effort to engage Lena in more than just martial arts therapy. Lena learned power breathing, took therapeutic family cooking classes, and attended drive-thru celebrations. I often witness Lena control her breathing when she is upset or anxious. Kids Kicking Cancer has impacted our entire family! Lena’s little sister will start classes in the fall and has been sneaking on screen during Lena’s classes. We are so grateful for the community of support we gained through Kids Kicking Cancer!
