Thibodeaux’s toughness

LEROY — When the North Vermilion Patriots play host to Episcopal of Baton Rouge this Friday, there will undoubtedly be plenty of tough players on the field.
The toughest person in the stadium, however, may just be one who is on the sideline cheering.
Kayli Thibodeaux, 17, the captain of the NV cheerleading squad, is a cancer survivor. She has shown her grit in winning in a battle that began a decade ago, when doctors diagnosed her with leukemia.
“I was seven years old, a first grader at Cecil Picard elementary,” Thibodeaux said. “I was a little girl who was forced to grow up over night.”
Thibodeaux fought her battle, but at the same time had to endure the loss of the battles of others.
“The treatments were hard and very scary,” Thibodeaux said. “I stayed sick constantly for over two years. I met so many friends facing the same challenges as I was. I’ve experienced great loss. I lost my cousin, who was my best friend, to the same disease that I had. I lost many friends to other forms of cancer.
“Today I’m thankful to God and my family and friends and my community for seeing me through it.”
That support is once again coming together. Thibodeaux’s teammates are helping her organize a fundraiser that will take place at Friday’s game. The squad will be selling stickers and accepting donations. The event is to raise money for childhood cancer awareness. All funds raised will go to Tulane Medical Research Center.
Thibodeaux said cheering played a big role in her battle, so it is only right that it is now playing a part in helping raise funds to fight the disease.
“When I was battling leukemia I spent countless days stuck in bed watching cheer movies dreaming of becoming a cheerleader,” Thibodeaux said. “I felt like because I was able to fight and win my battle with cancer, and not only live my dream, but actually lead my squad, the best way to show my appreciation was for us to raise money for childhood cancer awareness and give back to the place that helped give me my second chance at life.”
September is in fact National Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Thibodeaux said she feels that childhood cancer, like any disease that has not been eradicated, does not receive enough attention.
“I feel there is not and will not be enough awareness for any disease until a cure is found,” Thibodeaux said strongly.
Jacqueline Alleman, the cheer coach at North Vermilion, said Thibodeaux is a strong candidate to lead any fight.
“Kayli is a true leader in every aspect,” Alleman said. “As a coach, I have been inspired by her and I know many people will be inspired by her story. She is a positive young adult that certainly lives every day to its fullest.
“Kayli is truly an inspiration.”
Does Thibodeaux see herself as an inspiration?
“I can only hope that I am an inspiration,” she said. “I try to put forth my best effort in everything that I do whether it’s school work, leading my squad or any challenge that I face.”
For children who are facing the same battles Thibodeaux faced, she has a message.
“Fighting cancer is a long, hard battle but keep your faith in God and he will see you through it,” she said.