Story Published:
May 21, 2009 at 10:45 PM MDT
Story Updated:
May 21, 2009 at 10:22 PM MDT
BILLINGS - After putting aside child-hood for 2 years to undergo rigorous treatment for a cancerous tumor, an 8 year old Billings girl has 2 of her wishes come true.
You can't tell by listening to her talk and laugh, but 8 year old cancer patient Kaeleigh Beld has had a very trying past 2 years. And then 2 weeks ago, right before Make A Wish sent her and her family on a cruise, she got the news everyone had been waiting for; she was in remission. "It was a chance for her to realize that it's finally over. Even though everyone told her it was over, I don't think she believed it until she got the chance to just relax and be a kid, she hasn't been able to do that for a year and a half," said mom Katie Beld. "I really liked para-sailing, it was probably my favorite. And it really made my hair grow a lot too!" said Kaeleigh.
Jewelers of America chose local Greenleaf's Jewelry to present Kaeleigh with her trip and other keepsakes. To say thanks Kaeleigh and her mom made them a scrap-book of their trip. "She was an exceptional little girl, just like any other 8 year old girl," says Tera Henrickson with Greenleaf's.
And like any other little girl, Kaeleigh didn't want to leave when the cruise was over. "I wish I could have a little robot and it could stay here and I could be on the boat." Katie says they were so grateful to receive the trip from Make A Wish, but now they have even more to appreciate.
According to Katie, Kaeleigh's type of cancer is so rare and her treatment went so well, that her case is going to be written about in medical journals.
Monday, Jun 8 at 5:55 PM Jen Koch wrote ...
I grew up with KJ's mom Katie, and knew when we first heard about this that KJ had the strongest team on her side. Katie, you are a survivor too! I am honored to have both KJ and Katie (and the rest of the family!) in my life! KJ, you have given a lot of people reason to believe in miracles! Love you both! ~ Jeni&Ben!