It is hard to capture in 1,000 characters how fully Janell embodies the qualities of the Stevie Patrick Legacy of Love Award. After her daughter McKenna was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor DMG, Janell refused to give up. Determined to find more time with her daughter, she pursued every treatment option, even traveling to Germany in search of hope.Just one week after McKenna’s passing, another family reached out to Janell after their own daughter’s brain cancer diagnosis. She listened to their fears, shared the knowledge she had gained, & prayed with them. Recognizing the lack of support for families & siblings facing pediatric cancer, Janell founded The Brave Like McKenna Foundation, transforming grief into a mission of service. There is no better example of serving others than the foundation’s work providing Be Brave Bags & financial & emotional support to families battling pediatric cancer.
Janell’s has determination, integrity, compassion, and courage in the face of cancer.