I think Korey is the bravest kid in the world because he just finished 3 years and 2 months of chemo!

Korey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) on Jan. 24, 2002 and began chemo on Jan. 25, 2002. He was only 6 years old and in the first grade. He is now 9 and took his last doses of chemo, Lord willing, on March 25, 2005! We are very thankful for this milestone!

Korey is brave because he has endured chemo at home, in the office and has had a more intensive chemo through his spinal fluid. He has had bone marrow aspirations as well. He has done all of this bravely and with neither emotional, nor financial support from his real father. I have raised Korey alone until we were blessed with Scott. Scott came to us just a short while after Korey was diagnosed and he has been there for us both ever since. God does send us angels!

On the last day of chemo, Korey told me that he wants to be a cancer buddy to kids with cancer. He wants to lend his support by talking with them and allowing them to ask questions about the chemo and his cancer. We are so proud that he came up with this idea all by himself. He is brave as well as compassionate.

We are very thankful for his health, especially since Korey has had to endure other health problems and many hardships such as moving to Dallas from Austin and back again; as well as losing several family members, friends and pets during these trying years. He has endured so much, but now that Korey is off chemo, he bravely lives his life as a cancer survivor.

I believe all kids living with childhood cancer are the bravest kids in the world and they all deserve recognition for the battles they fight today and every day of their lives. Sadly, there is not a single active support program for families living with childhood cancer here in Austin, Tx. Our family has seen first hand how important that support was to Korey and to us as a family. Korey’s friend, Garrett, who died in Feb. 2005 from Rhabdo had a dream to create a new program for these children and their families. Garrett’s dream is now becoming a reality and we are privileged to be a part of making this wonderful dream come true! We are even incorporating Korey’s idea to be a cancer buddy into this program as well and will soon be providing much needed support to families with children under the age of 13 living with childhood cancer. We are starting here in Austin, but hope one day to help families nation-wide.

In conclusion, I think my son, Korey, is the Bravest Kid in the World. He not only fought a very difficult battle, but now wants to use his experience to help others. Thank you for doing this for our kids! You are doing something special to help brighten their worlds. Making a sick child smile is worth more than gold!

With much love and hope,
Brenda Harris
Very proud to be Korey Kasparek’s Mom

For Korey's "JSF Bravest Kid" Award, he wanted to visit Give Kids The World Village in Florida because his friend Garrett got to go there before he passed away and said it was great.

Korey's trip to GKTW is a six night cost-free adventure for him and his entire family with free "No-Line" passes to Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

This unique facility covers over 51 acres and consists of a Gingerbread House Restaurant, Castle of Miracles, Chapel, Ice Cream Palace, 2 Swimming Pools, Wacky Water Works, Amphitheater, Amberville Train Station, Julie’s Safari Theater, Marc’s Dino Putt, Fishing Pond, Caring Center, and Nature Trail. Ninety-six specially designed two- bedroom, two-bath Villas house these special children and their families during their visit.

Enjoy your vacation Korey, you deserve it!