Kendall Atkinson had grit, determination, and a level of thrill seeking well beyond what her red blood cells and platelets could support due to Fanconi anemia. But she skied moguls, played competitive sports, and lived life as if Fanconi didn’t exist. Kendall died in 2004 at the age of just 20 after a bone marrow transplant, but her fight is far from over. Her battle inspired her parents, family, friends, neighbors and many others to continue raising funds and improving the outcome for those who still live with Fanconi anemia.
MILE 20 for Kendall, who died when she was 20, naturally seems to warrant a request for donations in the amount of $20. Just a single dollar for each year of her life which ended too soon. The KATArun Team has set a goal to raise $1000 in honor of each FA Fighter before the NYC Marathon on November 5th, so for Kendall, this means 50 donations! It’s a large number of people, we know, but we would truly appreciate your help in sharing Kendall’s story and this page. We hope there are at least fifty people touched by the grit and determination of this FA fighter who inspired so many to continue supporting research for this disease. Can you help us find them and help achieve this lofty goal with a donation in Kendall’s honor?
Ken Atkinson, co-founder of KATA,had a mission to find better treatments and a cure for the disease that killed his children, including Kendall - Fanconi anemia. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short before he had that opportunity. Now it is up to his daughter, Allison, her close friends Ryan and Emily, and you, our followers and supporters, to take up the torch, raise awareness and funds for those with Fanconi anemia, support this incredible effort, and watch the KATA26.2 team run for THEIR lives!
On November 5th, Allison, Ryan and Emily will run the NYC Marathon - 26.2 miles - to raise funds for Fanconi anemia research. The KATARun Team is dedicating MILE #20 of their marathon to Kendall to honor her fight against Fanconi anemia. Please consider a tax deductible donation in Kendall’s memory.
Click on the link above! Thank you for your consideration and support.