By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“She’s been feeling great, she is just a wonderful, average little girl,” said Sherrie and Jeff Pelletier of Frenchville, the parents of two children Kylie, age 6 and Ryan, 4.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The Pelletier family of Frenchville, from lef,t Jeff, Ryan, Kylie and Sherrie are enjoying this holiday season for many reasons but especially since Kylie, 6, who although undergoing monthly treatments for leukemia, has been in remission for 11 months now and is feeling great. Kylie was recently named The Cubby’s December Hero and was presented with a $100 gift by shop owner Cindy Johnson at right.
The busy family agreed that this will be the best Christmas yet, as last year Kylie spent the holidays in Bangor, where she was a patient at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Diagnosed with leukemia on Dec. 20, 2010, the very personable young lady continues with chemotherapy treatments at EMMC, every month and will do so until February of 2013. She also endures a lumbar puncture every three months. Kylie has been in remission for 11 months now and fortunately, according to her parents, she has not had to deal with any major side effects from her treatments.
“She is the bravest little girl, I’ve ever seen,” said Sherri Pelletier, “she is the one who gives us our strength to go on. Of course she has her good days and bad days, but she has soared right through her treatments — overall she has done exceptionally well.”
Kylie was recently named The Cubby’s December Hero and received a $100 check from Cindy and Chris Johnson, owners of the thrift store, which has locations in Caribou and Presque Isle. Through their Hero Program, the Johnsons give back to families who are dealing with medical situations and the children who so bravely face these conditions every day and also in recognition of individuals who quietly assist these families in many ways.
“Kylie is a young lady we were first introduced to in March when The Cubby participated in the Kylie’s Kalendars project, a fundraiser set up for her benefit. Since that time we have held our breath as we watched Kylie’s progress.”
“With the loss of our January Hero Landen Owens, we have come to fully appreciate the most precious gift of all — the gift of life,” Johnson added. “I cannot think of a more appropriate way to celebrate this Christmas season than by naming Kylie as The Cubby’s December Hero. Her presence here today is truly a gift.”
Kylie is a first-grade student at the Dr. Levesque Elementary School in Frenchville, and didn’t hesitate to say that the one thing she loves best about school is her teacher, Amy Bouchard. She also added that she likes going to school a lot and got all “S’s” on her report card.
“Throughout Kylie’s illness, we’ve had tremendous support from our family, friends and our community — we couldn’t have gotten through everything without their support,” said Sherrie. “That’s what is so great about living in a small community — everyone works together. It’s been amazing and often overwhelming. We can’t thank everyone enough.”
Kylie, who has a very contagious smile and an irresistible giggle added, “Merry Christmas everyone.”
