Kallie's Krusade
On Aug. 16, 2013, 21-month-old Kallie Swan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It turned the Swan family's world upside down. They thought to themselves, "How and why did this happen to our 21-month-old daughter?" Although the doctors couldn't give those answers, they knew they had to do something. So they have rallied with family, friends and community to "fight like a girl" and crusade against childhood cancer.
Not even a month after Kallie's diagnosis, in September 2013, an entire weekend was planned to benefit Kallie and her family. That weekend, along with all the other events that took place, fittingly became known as "Kallie's Krusade." This event helped raise money for the expenses the Swan family incurred.
The community rallied together and it was a huge success, which inspired the creation of this foundation.
Since that weekend in September, Kallie's Krusade has become a not-for-profit foundation. 100% of the monies raised at the annual fundraiser events will be utilized to help other families in our community whose lives have been stricken with pediatric cancer. From transportation, to lodging and other expenses, the foundation will help to alleviate the financial toll that childhood disease takes on a family.
Kallie's Krusade is a community effort to "fight like a girl" against pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses. We will support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken, and never, ever give up hope. In addition, Kallie's Krusade will strive to raise awareness of childhood cancer, a tragedy that effects 1 to 2 children out of 10,000 every year in the United States and can affect any family at any time. No parent wants to see his or her child suffering at the age of 30, let alone the age of 2.
Kallie's Obituary
Not too long ago in heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen? Why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean?" she asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave: let me go! I would go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus, I will grant your request. But even though you are brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle: however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you." God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength, and if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
Born Nov. 10, 2011, Kallie Lynn Swan, 3 years old, of Falconer was healed Wednesday (May 6, 2015) in her home. She was held by her mommy, Tara L. Caldwell Swan; next to her daddy, Shane C. Swan; dog, Lily; surrounded by her family. Kallie had fought a courageous battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, initially diagnosed at 21 months. She then relapsed the week of her 3rd birthday and was faced with many challenges; her cancer growing resistant to chemotherapy and failed experimental treatment, ultimately leaving no other curative options.
Even amongst the challenges she faced in her short life, Kallie upheld a spirit unmatched for braveness and perseverance. She was always concerned about the comfort and happiness of other children being treated in the hospital. She is a lesson to all of us about love and hope, and although she endured months of treatment, she never let any of it dull her sparkle or fade her smile. Kallie loves pizza, asparagus, puzzles, being read to, telling knock-knock jokes, shooting her bow and arrow, opening mail from her Krusaders, performing “check-ups” on her babies and stuffed animals, along with watching movies and cartoons when she wasn’t feeling well. During extended hospital stays, Kallie loved FaceTiming as well as visits from her Gramma and Papa. Kallie especially loves the moments when she is able to be a kid, doing kid things with other kids; all while wearing her Kallie shirts. Above all, Kallie loves being home and surrounded by her family and constant companion, Lily.
Kallie was baptized and a parishioner of Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church in Falconer. She attended Bethel Lutheran Pre School. Furthermore, Kallie was an honorary lifetime member of the Kendall Club PBA and honorary member of the Jamestown Police Department. Kallie was a supporter and recipient of services from Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Wings Flights of Hope, Jessie Rees Foundation/ NEGU, UNYTS and Be The Match.
Kallie was the inspiration in creating Kallie's Krusade Foundation. The organization is devoted to “fight like a girl” against pediatric cancer and other childhood illnesses, providing financial relief and community support to families stricken with childhood disease.
Surviving are her parents Shane C. and Tara L. Swan; her dog Lily; her maternal grandparents William and Beverly Caldwell; her paternal grandparents Gene and Vicki Swan; Uncle Matthew & Aunt Nicole Caldwell, Uncle Gene III and Aunt Michelle Swan; cousins: Baby Will Caldwell, Kaitlyn and Marissa Swan and Jacob Truax.
Friends will be received by the family from 4 to 8 PM Saturday and 2 to 6 PM Sunday in the Falconer Funeral Home. The family requests you to wear your “Kallie Gear” in honor of Kallie.
The Altar and Rosary Society of OLL will conduct a rosary service at 1:15 PM Sunday in the funeral home. Chaplain Read will conduct a prayer service at 9:15 AM Monday in the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Monday in Our Lady of Loreto Catholic Church, Falconer. Rev. Joseph A. Gullo will be celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to Kallie’s Krusade, P.O. Box 224, Falconer, NY 14733. www.kallieskrusade.org.
To send a message of condolence visit www.falconerfuneralhome.net.
