Churchill County Middle School students and staff, many wearing pink and purple in support, hold posters and cheer loudly as Kennedy Helfrich rides around the school block on May 20.
Sara Dowling | NNG
Kennedy Helfrich watched through the car passenger window as her mother, Amanda, drove slowly past the cheering crowd of students and staff at Churchill County Middle School.
The May 20 surprise was coordinated by her mother with the staff and students to encourage Helfrich as she completes chemotherapy treatments for Lupus Nephritis affecting her kidneys. Many “Team Kennedy” supporters wore pink and purple while holding handmade posters and cheering loudly as Helfrich rode around the school block.
Shouts of “We love you, Kennedy,” “We miss you” and “Stay strong, Kennedy” followed the sixth-grade student who was unable to attend the last few months of school due to her medical issues. At the end of the drive, Amanda Helfrich pulled over to release a bunch of pink and purple Mylar balloons from the trunk. She said one big goal is to get her daughter back to school for seventh grade.
“She is a warrior and a fighter who has been through more than what most kids go through in a lifetime,” Helfrich said. “I’m so grateful for the time the staff took to organize this event and I’m beyond blessed that these students, teachers and staff showed up with grace and honor for my baby.”
A gofundme to help with travel and medical expenses is available at https://gofund.me/c01b26b9.