Collection: Warrior - Kellan

Meet the Ford’s: parents, Mike and Kristin, big brother, Parker and their angel, Kellan. 

After a week of headaches, random vomiting and trouble walking straight, on August 31, 2020, Kellan (age 4 ½) was diagnosed with metastatic Medulloblastoma. This diagnosis came with a poor prognosis and the Ford family knew it was going to be an uphill battle. 

Kellan was immediately admitted to the hospital and thankfully 100% of the primary tumor was removed and within a week Kellan regained his balance and felt like himself again. He was able to run two laps around a high school track at a fundraiser to support his fight! 

Kellan continued to do all the things he loved--playing video and board games; he attended school virtually to learn and see his friends; he practiced karate and soccer; and most importantly he spent quality time with his family, especially his big brother Parker, his best friend. He looked up to him in every possible way.

Kellan’s treatment plan included: 30 rounds of high dose full brain and spine proton radiation and 7 rounds of chemotherapy. 

Kellan lived up to his name, which means “powerful” and “mighty warrior”. He never gave up and showed everyone what it meant to fight, love, and keep faith despite all odds. 

During his 4th month of chemotherapy m, on March 25, 2021, a PET scan revealed the cancer had spread throughout his body and Kellan’s cancer was terminal. 

During Kellan’s yoga therapy session at the hospital that day he was asked to choose, at random, a mantra card for his life. Tonia, his therapist, held out a deck of cards filled with mantras and Kellan pulled, “Today I Choose Happiness.” 

Mike and Kristin were speechless at the significance of that message just hours after the news that broke their hearts. For the final months of Kellan’s life the Fords  consciously found moments of happiness despite his pain and failing body.

“I’m not sure we will ever come to terms with the news and now the reality that our spunky, fun-loving, funny, sweet boy is no longer here. Like many families in our shoes we just wanted more time.” said Kristin.

Kellan has left a lasting impression on his family and community as they honor his life by “Choosing Happiness.” Kellan’s family has started a foundation in Kellan’s honor to fund pediatric cancer research, holistic care for kids on treatment (yoga, acupressure, massage and physical therapy) and supporting the end of life journey for families with a child battling cancer.

The Choose Happiness Kam.dle is dedicated to Kellan’s love of life filled with lavender vanilla. 

When he would feel anxious or upset he would ask his Mom for his “sniffer” - which was lavender essential oils. He would close his eyes and take a deep breathe in and out then say, “Ahh, now I feel better.” It was the simple things that brought him comfort when it got tough.

The vanilla is for the warmth of home and the best snuggles! Kellan loved being with his family, snuggling under the blanket and playing games. 

May this candle be your comfort and bring you happiness on your toughest days!