BY KARYN BRODSKY
A Remarkable Journey of Resilience
Kaitlyn Wade is an inspiring individual. As a child, she faced life-threatening challenges twice—first battling leukemia and then surviving a serious car accident. Now at 24, she dedicates her time to supporting those affected by childhood leukemia and advocates against drunk driving.
The Diagnosis of Leukemia
Kaitlyn’s mother, Kay Wade, recalls that Kaitlyn was diagnosed with leukemia on December 10, 1997, when she was just 3 and a half years old. “That type of date you never forget,” Kay reflects. It was also the day before their second daughter’s second birthday.
Kay remembers that the entire family exhibited flu-like symptoms around Thanksgiving that year, but only Kaitlyn didn’t fully recover. When Kaitlyn expressed pain while walking, Kay immediately suspected leukemia. Both she and her husband Jim were familiar with the disease due to their involvement with the Leukemia Society, particularly since Jim’s grandmother had died from it in August 1996. Jim had even run a marathon in Alaska for the cause, where he was paired with a child undergoing leukemia treatment.
Treatment and Recovery
Kaitlyn underwent testing by her pediatrician and was quickly referred to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas for treatment. Although the standard treatment protocol lasts about 2 and a half years, Kaitlyn’s required nearly three years due to delays. Kay explains that the first month involved intensive chemotherapy, which proved effective. Kaitlyn was in remission after two months, though she continued with periodic chemotherapy sessions to avert any relapses.
“Kaitlyn showed incredible resilience. Although she experienced pain, she bounced back fairly quickly,” Kay recalls. Kaitlyn spent her first six months as an inpatient, and any time she developed a fever, she was required to be admitted again due to her compromised immune system. “Leukemia is treatable, but infections can be fatal,” Kay notes, “Chicken pox, in particular, poses a significant risk for those battling cancer.”
Becoming an Advocate
At the age of five, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to be a calendar artist and model for the Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF) during its annual fundraising event. Founded 35 years ago by parents of children receiving cancer treatment at Children’s Medical Center, the organization raises funds for local research aimed at the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers.
Since that moment, Kaitlyn and her family have continued to embrace this cause. She has been a style show model for 19 years and has developed strong connections with former Cowboys stars Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, who have served as honorary co-chairs of the event for over two decades. During Kaitlyn’s first style show, she ended up in a photo between Staubach and Aikman, leading to a memorable start to their relationship.
Kaitlyn now sees Staubach, Aikman, and Johnston every year at the event and they exchange friendly hugs. “To us [cancer survivors], they aren’t just big stars; they’re caring individuals,” she shares. “I’ve grown up alongside them. They contribute significantly to the organization. I have Roger’s and Daryl’s (nicknamed ‘The Moose’) cell phone numbers, and we text each other.”
Community Support and Leadership
“Kaitlyn Wade is an exceptional young lady and a friend who embodies the very reason Troy and I continue to support the Children’s Cancer Fund year after year,” states Staubach. “It has been rewarding to maintain contact with her, witness her growth into an admirable young woman, and see her annually support the Children’s Cancer Fund while uplifting other children.”
After Kaitlyn’s debut in the style show, Kay pursued a role on the style show committee, served on its board for five years, and has been on the CCF advisory board since 2013.
Jennifer Arthur, CCF Executive Director, describes Kaitlyn as a beacon for the organization. “She serves as an ambassador for CCF and has taken on a mentorship role, guiding younger kids. Last year, Kaitlyn designed our alumni t-shirt, ensuring the word ‘survivor’ was prominently featured on the back. This was a heartfelt initiative; she identifies as a survivor and aims to assist other kids on their path to survival. It’s been a pleasure to watch her and her family thrive.”
Facing New Challenges
While Kaitlyn triumphed over her leukemia diagnosis, she faced another challenge at the age of 12. On May 18, 2007, she was a passenger in a vehicle struck by a drunk driver who ran a red light, despite having three previous DWI convictions. Kaitlyn sustained severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a fractured pelvis, lacerated liver, damaged spleen, fractured ribs, and injuries to her sternum and neck. Following the accident, Kaitlyn was in a coma for about six weeks and didn’t speak until mid-July. Her recovery involved several surgeries, a six-month hospital stay, and extensive therapy.
An Inspiring Role Model
Today, Kaitlyn experiences short-term memory issues and slower processing speed, but she lives independently, drives, and has completed a year of college. She also pursues her passion for music, working on an album.
At 24, Kaitlyn has never consumed alcohol. “I despise it because it almost took my life,” she states. She serves as a Victim Impact (VIP) Speaker for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), sharing her story about the ramifications of drinking and driving with audiences throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, particularly those convicted of DUI/DWI.
Through her trials with childhood leukemia and a tragic car accident, Kaitlyn Wade has not only overcome significant adversity; she’s also committed to giving back and positively impacting the lives of others.
