Cancer claims Kaylee
Fundraisers were held to send teen to U.S. for experimental treatment, but she became too ill to travel
Not even the full support of her community was enough to help a Penticton teenager win her battle against cancer. Less than a year after being diagnosed with a rare form of the disease, Kaylee Kozari-Bowland, died at home early Monday, surrounded by her family and friends.
“Kaylee is now at peace after an arduous journey of doctors, nurses, hospitals, travelling, surgery and pain treatments,” her father, Scott Bowland, wrote later Monday on a Facebook support page.
His daughter was 16 when her illness was discovered in July 2014, after she began having trouble walking. Tumours were later discovered along her spine that left her temporarily paralyzed from the chest down.
Repeated surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy and radiation held the cancer at bay for awhile, but it wasn’t enough to stop the spread of the disease.
The family, which couldn’t be reached for comment, had hoped an expensive experimental treatment at a Texas hospital would save her, but she was too ill to undergo the procedure.
In the meantime, dozens of fundraisers were held to provide financial support to the family, including a concert at Skaha Ford that raised $8,500, a head-shaving event that earned $5,500, and a charity basketball game that netted $2,800.
The hockey community also chipped in – her uncle is NHL referee Steve Kozari – with a variety of other fundraisers, including a popcorn sale staged by a local novice team that pulled in $8,700, some 50-50 draws that added to the pot, and a memorabilia auction by the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Members of the Penticton Vees also took up collections at local Tim Hortons.
“I wish to express my deepest gratitude to everyone that contributed to the health and comfort of Kaylee during her difficult transition,” her father wrote.
“Your donations, love and caring gave all of us and especially Kaylee a reason to hope through her last eight months, and as a result were able to give Kaylee the best of care and treatments during this time.”
Kozari-Bowland was to have been in Grade 11 this year at Penticton Secondary School, which was also in mourning Monday.
“We are profoundly saddened by her loss,” principal Alan Stel said in a statement.
“She was an exceptional young woman who made significant contributions to her school and to the community. It is always very tragic when someone so young passes. We will miss her.”
Stel said additional counselling support has been brought in for the school community to help those she inspired with her “brave and courageous” battle.
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family in this time of mourning and loss,” he added.