Western student dies after battle with cancer; memorial set for Feb. 25

[ Editor's note: Story adapted from obituary at http://www.kathrynpandabradley.com/, a website that tells Kathryn's story. ]

Western Washington University student Kathryn Margaret Kahiwalani Bradley passed away on Feb. 2, 2012, after several battles with cancer. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at noon Feb. 25 at Emmanual Lutheran Church, located at 1315 N. Stevens St. in Tacoma.

Kathryn was born on Feb. 5, 1991, to Scott and Carol Bradley. Her Hawaiian name means "Gift From Heaven," and that's what she was. She was a blessing to her family and friends from day one. Even as a young child, she attracted many friends. She loved school and loved life.

She was diagnosed at age 8 with a brain tumor, and she completed treatment -- surgery, radiation and chemotherapy -- on May 5, 2000. She celebrated her "no more chemo day" on May 5 every year.

Kathryn was involved in cancer-related events such as all of the clinic parties for the Mary Bridge Oncology Clinic. She attended Relay for Life as a child for fun. In ninth grade, she decided to start her own team C.A.K.E for Cids Against Kancer Everywhere. She designed T-shirts each year for her team, based on the theme of the relay. When she entered college, she was honored to be asked to join the committee for WWU Relay for Life. The first year, she served on the committee and was asked to be the survivor speaker.

Kathryn also worked with Camp Goodtimes, a camp for kids with cancer and their siblings. She started in 2001 as a camper and later became a staff volunteer. Camp had become a huge part of her life.

As Kathryn went through school she did many projects that were related to cancer. For her senior project, she designed T-shirts that sported cancer themes, donating the proceeds from their sale to the American Cancer Society. She was an excellent student, earning many awards and graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Tacoma's School of the Arts. Her studies in college were to become a child life specialist in the area of oncology. She wanted to help kids with cancer.

Kathryn was diagnosed on April 17, 2010, with a second brain tumor. She had surgery, radiation and chemo. The tumor stayed away until signs started to show again in late September of 2011. When she learned that her tumor had returned and that she had a limited time to live, she started not to think of herself but to think of others. Her first concern was for her brother. She didn’t want him to feel lost or alone. She wanted to make sure all of her friends and family were able to see her one last time, so she planned a huge Christmas party.

She spent a little more than a month in Houston trying gene therapy but wasn't able to receive the full treatment. Her little body was already too worn out. She was able to get home, have her party and enjoy some time at home.

Slowly, her little body just stopped working here and there. On the morning of Feb. 2, she just slowed her breaths until they were gone. She died peacefully with her dad, mom, brother and grandma by her side. As her family had promised, she was never left alone.

Kathryn was the sunshine of every life she touched. She truly brightened others' days with her infectious smile. She inspired many to make positive changes in their lives. She was the best daughter, a wonderful sister, an amazing friend and just a terrific person. Her 21 years were short but lived to the fullest with love and compassion.

Kathryn is survived by her parents and by her older brother, Richard Bradley. She is also survived by her Grandma Ann Heseltine, of Eatonville, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.