Kayla Rose Sansone

2-14-1990 to 11-26-2003

Dear Friends:

It has taken me a few days to gather the strength compose this letter of introduction to my daughter Kayla Rose Sansone. Most of you never had the opportunity to know Kayla, but through this letter, I am hopeful you will find a sense of the child she was, the young lady she had grown to be, and the woman she never had the chance to become.

God presented Kayla on Valentine's Day February 14, 1990. She came complete with a charismatic smile and Bambi eyes filled with the bright lights of life. She naturally captured the hearts of her entire family, especially that of her grandpa.

Kayla spent much of her childhood in the area of Cranberry Township, but never missed an opportunity to visit her grandfather's farm on weekends and during summer breaks. She would proudly pick blackberries and wild flowers, knowing they would bring smiles to her grandmother. Kayla thrived on the happiness of others…. her joy always came from theirs.

Still a child herself, Kayla's gentle manner was becoming quite evident. When she was old enough to write, she began to record her thoughts, ultimately expanding her talent to writing stories and prayers. Sharing was innate to Kayla. Her stories included special memories of her short childhood that were thoughtfully composed to be recited at family gatherings or shared in school essays.

On Christmas Eve 2002, we would hear the gut-wrenching words, "Kayla has cancer!" We had never heard of Rhabdomyosarcoma and we didn't know what stage IV meant. But with a few clicks on the Internet, within hours we knew Kayla would be facing a fight for her life.

Her long-term treatment was started immediately and within days the many side effects of her aggressive cancer treatment became evident. At thirteen years old, it was of course difficult for her to adjust to all of the challenges cancer would present, yet Kayla stood strong and full of smiles every step of the way. Never to be defeated by her diagnosis, Kayla blossomed into an amazing young lady whose courage and determination provided strength to those around her. Kayla was passionate about spending time with her friends and family and through everything she continued to fill her days with as much life as possible.

On Wednesday November 26th, 2003, it was time for Kayla to return home to Jesus, and while surrounded by those she loved the most, she took her last breath.

Kayla had shared her life with numerous people and those who knew her will always remember the smile in her eyes and the joy she brought to everything she touched. It's my wish that this short letter will give you a glimpse of the person Kayla was and maybe even an idea of the angel she is now.

Her Proud & Loving Mom,
Bobbi Sansone