‘She has the best attitude’
Friends, community back Kentville teen fighting leukemia
Kallie Allen’s face lights up as she watches busy volunteers rush around the Glooscap District Arena while working a benefit for her best friend, Haylie Arenburg.
“I love it,” said Allen in an interview at the June 3 benefit. “I really miss her a lot and it gives me a connection to her.”
Arenburg, 18, was unable to attend the benefit due to ongoing chemotherapy treatments. The Grade 12 NKEC student has been primarily residing at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax since she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) April 19, but Arenburg was, without question, on the minds of many participating in the fundraiser planned in her honour.
“She is here with us in her heart,” said Allen.
Allen remembers sitting in math class when Arenburg called to tell her about the shocking diagnosis. Allen said she’s amazed by how strong Arenburg has been while battling leukemia.
“She has the best attitude that you could have at a time like this. She’s smiling through it all,” said Allen, who is also slated to graduate this month and hopes to have her BFF by her side.
“She got her good news yesterday that she has no cancer cells in her bone marrow, so she doesn’t need a bone marrow transplant.”
Allen said a group of Arenburg’s friends rallied to organize the benefit in hopes of helping offset costs associated with travel and medical expenses at a time when Arenburg’s mother, Barbara, is taking leave from work to be with her daughter.
The benefit included several children’s activities, a petting zoo, barbecue and ticket auction.
It wasn’t hard to find a group of people willing to join forces when they heard there was going to be fundraiser for Arenburg, Allen said.
“She’s such a well-liked person… she’s always an upbeat person and she’s a part of almost everything.”