Volunteers opened their hearts and put their hands to work on Aug. 16 making fleece blankets that will comfort children with cancer in all 50 states.

The event at Homewood’s Cancer Support Center launched Project Kennedy’s “Dare the World to Kare!” initiative, marking what would have been founder Kennedy Parker’s 30th birthday.

Kennedy was 25 when she passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms on July 2, 2020. She had thought she was beating her Ewing Sarcoma cancer but it returned aggressively in 2019. Kennedy’s story and her legacy live on through the organization she founded.

The goal the nonprofit set is to distribute 250 blankets nationwide. Each blanket was stitched with Kennedy’s signature phrase: “You are brave. You are loved.”

Continuing the Mission

Darnesha Evans, Parker’s mother and the nonprofit’s co-founder and executive director, said the day offered more than just blankets.

“It feels good, it’s a safe place,” Evans said. “A lot of people here are going through it (cancer) themselves or have lost someone, that sense of just feeling like someone gets it makes a difference.”

She said that the effort recognizes more than patients: “It’s not always just about the patient. It’s about the person sitting by your bedside sometimes too–we try to connect with them, whether it’s a mom, a father, we see you.”

Ashley Carrington, president and program director, said the turnout shows how Parker’s work continues to make a difference.

“People show up for something that you believe in, and then they start to believe in it,” Carrington said. “Whether it’s through Kennedy’s legacy or through their own family member battling cancer, people get to see the work behind those gifts.”

Young Volunteers

The event also drew the next generation of caregivers. Thirteen-year-olds Jemiah Sykes and Shaniya Charles from the Ring of Hope Double Dutch team in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood joined their teammates in tying knots.

Head coach Cinnamon Allison-Moore said the effort stood for more than service.

“Every little bit of support that cancer patients can get is needed and appreciated,” she said. “It helps keep their spirits up in the hardest time of their lives, it keeps hope.”

Volunteer coach Chondra Wright added that she wanted the students to learn about giving firsthand.

“Coming out of that comfort zone, and being young people on top of that, having an opportunity to come and just give,” Wright said. “Every time I tie a knot, I’m thinking about somebody whose blanket it’s gonna serve.”

Community Groups

Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority joined in the blanket-making. 

“I love it,” said Demetria Howard. “It’s showing that you care and helping in any way possible,” said Howard. “I had a cousin that had breast cancer, just having this opportunity to do this for someone else, it’s very touching.”

Ruth Chambers added, “If it’s gonna put a smile on their face, that makes me happy.”

Delegates from the Beyond Beautiful World Pageant also took part, describing the day as second nature, selfless and fulfilling.

Personal Connections

Danielle Callahan, a recent breast cancer survivor and new Project Kennedy board member, spoke of her own experience.

“I had a blanket that I took with me for chemo every single time,” Callahan said. “One of my coworkers gave it to me, and so I know what it means–it feels like being hugged.”

Stephanie Owens, Project Kennedy’s social media coordinator, shared how hearing Kennedy’s story felt personal.

“I got to the point where I felt like I knew her just from hearing Darnesha talk,” Owens said. “To see her legacy growing this way, it’s an honor, I think she would be very moved right now.”

Family friend and longtime supporter Ivelisse Serrano remembered sitting with Kennedy during hospital stays. “The relationship I had with Kennedy was being there to pick at her, bring at her, and just make her laugh,” Serrano said. “She was such a sweet girl.”

Looking around Saturday’s turnout, Serrano said, “Just to see so many people come out on a Saturday morning, who may not fully relate to this experience, but being here in that show of support speaks volumes.”

When asked how Kennedy might view the organization’s growth, Serrano smiled and said: “She would be so proud of her mama. She’d love the giving, but with her sarcasm, she’d probably say, ‘Alright, Mom, but this is a lot.’”

Evans reflected on her daughter’s legacy. “Kennedy would’ve rolled her eyes at all this fuss,” she said with a laugh. “But she’d love knowing these blankets are hugs for kids who need them most.”