dedicated
Story & Photography By Susan O'Connor

Kendra Gerdes Street is dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is a regular volunteer with Triple FM Radio Group’s annual Wish-A-Thon, and she is a wish granter in her own right.

What is unusual, however, is that Kendra knows — as only someone who has been there can — what this dream-come-true experience means to a sick child. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a senior in high school.

A swollen gland in her neck led to a doctor’s visit and subsequent diagnosis in January 2002. Two days later, she had surgery for a biopsy and insertion of a port at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Although she had eight rounds of chemotherapy and 32 rounds of radiation, the vivacious 17-year-old did not slow down. She rarely missed classes at Marmaduke High School and continued to play softball with a chest protector shielding her port. And, she danced at her senior prom wearing a wig.

Make-A-Wish volunteers Christie Matthews and Dana Johnson interviewed Kendra that spring, and Kendra said they seemed a little surprised with her wish.

“I think they were expecting something like a shopping spree since I was a 17-year-old,” she said laughing, “but I chose to meet the Atlanta Braves.”
The Atlanta trip, Kendra said, was a truly memorable, vital experience for her family, especially during that period of never-ending visits to the hospital. “After I went on my trip, I knew Make-A-Wish was something I wanted to be a part of. I knew I wanted to give back what was given to me.”

Kendra earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Arkansas State University, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education theory and practice at ASU. She is married to Jeremy Street.

You are such a strong, upbeat young woman. Where did you draw your inspiration when you were sick? I was really optimistic throughout my entire treatment. I kept busy with my life just as I was before my diagnosis. My mindset was that I have cancer, cancer doesn’t have me!

What makes St. Jude so amazing? The doctors and nurses! By the time I finished treatment, they were like a part of my family. They take the time to really get to know you. I still stay in contact with some of them today. They also made the situation not so scary. The atmosphere is also incredible. It doesn’t feel like a hospital when you walk in. It’s so welcoming and fun. I really don’t have the words to describe just how amazing that place is.

What is the most important piece of advice that you can give to someone who has just received a diagnosis of cancer? Keep you head up and focused on the road ahead. Don’t let cancer control you life. Yes, you have to schedule appointments into your daily routine, but continue to participate in the activities you participated in before your diagnosis. Also, know that God is in control. He has a plan for you and a reason for you being diagnosed. Find that reason!

What was your first job for Make-A-Wish? The first wish that I helped with granting was for a girl who graduated from the same high school I did. We sent her on a Caribbean cruise. It was an awesome wish to grant because it was a chance to give back to the community that supported me so much. I was also able to do all of this in front of the faculty and staff that means so much to me.

What is the role of a wish granter? As a wish granter, I am assigned a wish to work on with a partner. We go to interview the child we are assigned and get all of the information about the child that is possible – everything from their history to their interests and most importantly, what their wish is! Once the wish has been processed and scheduled, we are then contacted and plan what is called an enhancement. During the enhancement, the child and their family learn that their wish is coming true! The child is showered with gifts, and we have a celebration with those who are close to the child. It is the most exciting part of the wish process!

What is the coolest wish you’ve been able to grant? The coolest wish I’ve granted is when I sent a little boy to the National Finals Rodeo. He is such a fun little boy and so interesting! I got to see some of the pictures they brought back and I am still able to keep in touch with his family.