HOUSTON – She stole the hearts of anyone she encountered, and was as adorable and high-spirited as any child could be, and despite her battles, she remained a beacon of light and hope for so many. Sadly, cancer took away a bright, shining star. Khyrstin "Kyssi" Andrews died early Sunday, ending a three-year battle with cancer.
As word of her passing spread, an outpouring of love from the community filled social media timelines.
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"At 1:57am this morning my little Kyssi won her battle with CANcer, grew ANGEL wings and went home to be with the Lord. There's no more disease, no more suffering, no more pain and she's noe [now] in the safest arms that she could ever be in other than the arms of her mom," her mother, Marla Jones, posted on Facebook. "I find peace, comfort and strength knowing that Kyssi belonged TOTALLY to GOD, that HE trusted me with HIS child and that I did the best that I could with what I had to allow her to live a life better than many (including myself)."
The world got to know Kyssi through her Facebook page, constantly updated by her mother. Marla shared the highs and lows, the victories and the setbacks, giving her 294,000 followers an inside look into the battles so many families face dealing with the deadly disease. Kyssi and Marla's story inspired many, giving strength to other parents of sick children. The Facebook followers grow daily, with well wishers reaching out to provide strength, and share their own personal stories.
"Her story is our story. She brought people from all walks of life together for a common cause. This precious baby did so much for the world and her legacy will live inside of us forever. I didn't know her but I knew her, nonetheless. God bless you and your family and thank you for helping us keep this thing we call life in perspective," said Patrick Buckner. Buckner knows all-too-well the struggles families face dealing with childhood diseases. His son, Jace, has about 26 different diagnoses, but his main one is Goldenhar Syndrome.
Kyssi's last battle was pushed into overdrive as doctors said her prognosis looked grim, and a public call for prayers had the community unite with vigils and well-wishes for the #KyssiStrong movement. Thousands of Facebook followers changed their profile pictures to one of Kyssi as a sign of solidarity and strength.
Kyssi was diagnosed with a Wilm's tumor on May 1, 2012. It is a rare type of kidney cancer that affects children. While Wilm's tumor is rare, it is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. According to the American Cancer Society, about 500 children, most between ages 2 and 5, are diagnosed with Wilms' tumor each year in the United States. If it is found and treated in the early stages, the chances for successful treatment are as high as 95 percent.
In the beginning, things looked promising for Kyssi. After undergoing chemotherapy, she went into remission and got the opportunity to ring the bell. But the tumor returned with metastasis to her lungs, and her battle was on again. Overall, Kyssi was diagnosed with cancer three times, and has had three major surgeries, including the removal of one kidney and two lung surgeries. She was given a 20 percent chance of survival for the last diagnosis, and underwent stem cell treatment. Her body could not recover.
Kyssi was a warrior with an infectious smile. She looked just like her mother who, despite it all, shared her daughter's enthusiasm for life and a matching shaved head when needed. The mother-daughter duo became a force, putting a beautiful face to an ugly disease. They made public appearances at countless events and on news programs to raise childhood cancer awareness. Marla's mission was to get the healthy public to donate blood for those in need, participating in blood drives for cancer patients. She had plenty of help. "Kyssi's Angels" was formed and friends, family members and supporters joined together to help relieve financial strain, bring food to the hospital for the tired mom, and to help bring laughs and smiles, which are needed more than anything while the doctors do the work.
Celebrities, athletes, community and business leaders also joined the movement. Houston Mayor Annise Parker was #KyssiStrong, Houston Rockets Center Dwight Howard and the team helped her "hoop dreams" come true, and Houston Astros legend Craig Biggio lavished love on the child at his annual Sunshine Kids party.
Karen Johnson, community leader and mother of former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson said Kyssi was like family.
"I met Kyssi and her mom, Marla, a few years ago, when my organization (Pace Moms) did a little Christmas event for her. We hit it off from there. She was such a friendly and lovable little girl. I was so glad that my granddaughter and my niece, as well as my son, Andre, got a chance to meet her. To us she was family. She touched so many lives. She was an angel that I had the opportunity to hold in my arms. Her footprints will be forever embedded on my heart," Johnson said.
Kyssi was also made an honorary trooper and police officer for a day, thanks to the DPS and Houston Police Department, the Roe City Riders Motorcycle Club made Kyssi's dream of come true of riding a motorcycle, and Houston orthodontist Dr. Heather Brown allowed Kyssi to trade places with her and give her a check-up. "Dr. Kyssi" gave "Dr. Brown" a thumbs up! Dr. Brown also donated the proceeds from her 40th birthday bash/ casino night to Kyssi. After the doctor handed over the cash, Kyssi's eyes got big and she screamed "I'm rich!"
Marla and Kyssi's main source of strength came from God, and Marla says she knew God would take care of her little girl. Kyssi was baptized in 2014 by the deacons at Higher Dimension Church, famed speaker and evangelist Bishop T.D. Jakes prayed for Kyssi's spiritual and physical healing, and minister and gospel recording artist James Fortune recently visited Kyssi at the hospital for special prayers. Thousands were praying with them as prayer sessions were simultaneously held in Houston and Dallas on May 25.
Kyssi's untimely passing has left so many heartbroken.
"I don't even know where to begin. For me it was love at first sight and I've been a good thorn in her mother's side every since. She knew my mom is not in the best of health and had been in the hospital, in the midst of all she was enduring. My lil' boo was always asking how my mom was doing. Marla, (mommy) would always say, 'You better tell your mommy Kyssi asked about her,'" said Bruce Allen, a friend of the family and Kyssi's knight in shining armor. "Just last week as my mom laid in the hospital and I was back and forth at the hospital with the both of them, my mom would call to ask how Kyssi was doing. I say that to say this, Kyssi had a heart of gold and touched the lives of many people across the world, though she didn't know it personally, because she was just being a famous kid that didn't really know how famous and impactful she was. As an Angel now, she can watch over all of us. Therefore I must remain #Kyssistrong."
Kyssi loved Hello Kitty and was often seen wearing superhero costumes. She was a champion and hero for so many, and will be truly missed. Her life on Earth has ended, but her light will shine on.
Kyssi's Angels are dedicated in the fight for a cure, and will remain by Marla's side.
"Marla is one of the strongest moms that I know and she gave her everything. Even though it was a short time, the legacy that Kyssi leaves behind is a tenacious and courageous life well lived," said Latoya Pace Smith, Kyssi's Angels. "Stuart Scott, the famed ESPN broadcaster once said, 'When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So live. Live! Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.' Marla will continue to fight for Kyssi by advocating for children with cancer through her nonprofit organization and other endeavors. She is determined to not let this journey and experience be in vain."
KPRC viewer Michelle Bright Lee wrote the following poem in Kyssi's memory:
Dear Kyssi,
Only 6 years old
With a gentle soul a heart of gold
One of the strongest person we will ever know
Thanks to your mommie
For keeping us posted on what u went thru
So many people grew love for you
Such a brave girl all them days
Your strength touch
All of us in a special way
I wish I could have met you in person
And looked in them beautiful eyes
We are all sad to say good bye
No more sickness and pain
Our loss Heaven's gain
We will miss your smile your glow
Forever hold on to your memory
Never let you go
You are an inspiration to people
Everywhere and will continue to be
RIP Sweetie Rest Easy
Gone but never forgotten
A gofundme account has been set up to help with expenses for Kyssi and Marla. Click here to donate.