By Byron Croft
For The Alpine Sun
Hundreds of people converged in a spectacular show of support for Kylie Elizabeth Rowand, dubbed in her community as “God’s Little Warrior”, for her brave struggle against the rare cancer Neuroblastoma.
By Byron Croft
For The Alpine Sun
Hundreds of people converged in a spectacular show of support for Kylie Elizabeth Rowand, dubbed in her community as “God’s Little Warrior”, for her brave struggle against the rare cancer Neuroblastoma.
Kylie lost her battle February 7th, after barely more than a year, from her diagnosis of a rare, and aggressive, form of cancer in December of 2013, at just 2 years and 8 months of age. Pink ribbons and signs lined the streets of the communities surrounding Alpine, leading the way to Kylie’s memorial and celebration of life at Shadow Mountain Community Church . Thousands of attendees came to honor the memory of Kyle, hundreds of them wearing pink, many with messages for Kylie, adorned with the hashtag “#KylieStrong”, or “God’s Little Warrior”.
The emotional service was an uplifting reminder of a family’s love, and the indomitable spirit of a young girl who struggled bravely though the unimaginable.
After the ceremony, hundreds of people lined up to sign messages into quest books for Kylie’s family and hundreds more cued in line to share their support with Kylie’s mother, Bree Rowand. Mrs. Rowand stood for hours throughout the reception, shaking hands, sharing hugs and listening to the stories of all who waited to speak with her and share how Kylie touched each of their lives.
When asked by this reporter how she was able to maintain such poise throughout such a difficult time, she shared “It’s been a long day; but, the best part was seeing just how many people’s lives Kylie touched. It’s amazing. I enjoy meeting everyone and hearing all their individual stories and how Kylie has given them inspiration and hope, especially other cancer survivors and those who have lost a child or loved one to Neuroblastoma. Some families never complete their grieving, and it’s so nice that Kylie was able to help them, to change their lives, and to restore faith in God for some that had lost it, or remained angry about their loss. So many people have come to us today to celebrate Kylie and to let us know how much she’s changed their lives. It’s really amazing.”
Kylie Elizabeth Rowand, at such a young age, and such a tiny girl, truly united an entire community, and people across the nation, in a very big way. There is little doubt that her impact will live on.
It’s time for you to rest “Little Warrior”, your fight is over. Kylie Elizabeth Rowand May 11, 2012 – February 07, 2015
