KENDRA MCBAIN

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KENDRA MCBAIN Kendra Rose McBain passed away on December 22, 2009 at the age of 18. Kendra's beautiful and vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of her loving family - mother Tammy, father Rob and brother Graham. Kendra will also be forever loved and remembered by the others in her family. Her grandparents, Margaret and Jerry Hamilton and Vicki and Clyde McBain; Auntie Heather, Uncle Don and cousins Iain (Erin), Donnie, Scott and Patrick; Auntie Tracy and cousin Tristan; Uncle Kevin, Auntie Kessie and cousins Bella, James and Maggie; Uncle Kelby, Auntie Loralee and cousins Madison and MacKenzie. Kendra grew up in River Heights and later Charleswood, attending Queenston Elementary School, Balmoral Hall and this past June proudly graduating with honours from St. John's Ravenscourt. Growing up, Kendra was always eager to please people, especially her mom. She was an excellent student; keen to learn and a voracious reader. At SJR, Kendra enjoyed playing on the volleyball team and was a skilled debater. She was also a strong swimmer, and volunteered her time teaching swimming while working towards her lifeguarding certificate. Kendra played the piano beautifully and attained her Grade Four with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She went on to become an accomplished rider both in dressage and in the hunter ring, competing in numerous horse shows and racking up ribbon after ribbon. Family time was important to Kendra. She loved her summers at the McBain cottage in Lake of the Woods and Grandma Vicki's Sunday dinners with her cousins. Kendra also spent many happy times with Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Jerry including many sleepovers when she was younger and decorating holiday cookies together. Kendra was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma when she was 15. Despite the pain and nausea, the loss of her hair and energy, Kendra did not lose her spirit, her sparkle or her hope. And instead of giving up, Kendra decided to give back. While still undergoing treatment, she organized and staged Kendra's Walk to raise money to refurbish the teen room at Cancer Care Manitoba and to provide funding for research. On May 29, Kendra's Walk took place at St. John's Ravenscourt School and would eventually raise $160,000. Kendra touched a great many lives with her strength and positive outlook. Her spirited personality and her fighting determination to enjoy life in spite of her cancer have been an inspiration. Throughout her battle with cancer, Kendra's brother Graham has been incredibly supportive. He has done so much to cheer and support his sister, from speaking on her behalf at school events and fundraisers to dressing up as Santa Claus last Christmas when Kendra was in hospital. Special mention is owed to Auntie Heather, Kendra's second mom'. Heather was there for Kendra through it all, bringing not only her doctor's skill and knowledge but also her quiet calm, loving smile and comforting foot massages. Auntie Heather was always able to make Kendra feel better, even on the worst of days. Rob, Tammy and Graham would like to thank the friends and family members who supported them and Kendra throughout her illness, with their gifts, their meals and their company. Kendra will be very much missed by Gabby, Kelsey, Ben, Adam, Steve, Erin and the many, many other friends who meant so much to her. Kendra loved spending time with her friends and they were an important part of her life. Thank you to all Kendra's dear friends. Thank you also to Jan Taylor who for the past three years has kept people informed about Kendra with regular e-mail updates always written with tact and warmth and clarity. The McBains want to express their appreciation of the staff at St. John's Ravenscourt, in particular Mrs. Roberta Mitchell, for their tremendous support of Kendra and Graham through a very difficult time. In closing, the family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the people who provided medical care for Kendra her doctors and specialists, the staff at Clinic 5 at CancerCare, the nurses on CK5 and most recently the Palliative Care Team. A special thank you to Cathy Bourne, Kendra's pediatric oncology nurse. A celebration of Kendra's life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Grant Memorial Baptist, 877 Wilkes Avenue at 11:00 am. Purple was a special color for Kendra. People attending may wish to wear something purple in her memory. Flowers are gratefully declined by the family. However, anyone wishing to do so may make a donation to Kendra's Walk, care of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or to a newly established scholarship fund in Kendra's name at St. John's Ravenscourt. What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2009