Kathryn Bradley's Obituary
Kathryn Margaret Kahiwalani Bradley (Panda)
Feb 5th, 1991 to Feb 2nd, 2012
Kathryn was born in Tacoma, WA to Scott and Carol Bradley. She is survived by her parents and older brother Richard Bradley. Also survived by her Grandma Ann Heseltine of Eatonville and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Kathryn was truly a "Gift From Heaven" as is the meaning of her Hawaiian name. She blessed our family from day one. Even as a young child she attracted many friends. She loved school and loved life. When she was diagnosed at 8 with a brain tumor the whole community rallied around our family in support and for that we are very grateful. Her diagnosis was on 3-3-1999 and she completed treatment on 5-5-2000. Her treatment was surgery, radiation and chemo. Every year we celebrated her no-more-chemo day of May 5th. She became 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. Then she joined a team that was one of her friends and raised money. In 9th 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 very honored to be asked to join the Relay committee for the WWU Relay for Life. This first year she served on the committee and was asked to also be the survivor speaker. In 2011 she served again on the relay committee. The relay was great and the enthusiasm amazing. Kathryn also became involved with Camp Goodtimes, which is 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. She had another family her camp family. 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. She sold the shirts and donated all of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. She was an excellent student earning many awards and graduated with a 4.0 gpa from S.O.T.A. in Tacoma. This is where she developed her love for drawing. 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 17th, 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. As Kathryn learned in October of 2011 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. It was fabulous. She wrote our Christmas letter and designed the Christmas card so she could see it and make sure it got out to everyone. We spent a little over a month in Houston trying gene therapy. Kathryn was not able to ever 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. Then she had a seizure while in the hospital for low sodium. That was the turning point. We had many good days but things just never came back. Kathryn made it home with the help of many supportive doctors and nurses from TG ICU. Slowly her little body just stopped working here and there. On the morning of the 2nd she just slowed her breaths until they were gone. She died peacefully with her Dad, Mom, Brother and Grandma by her side. She was never left alone as we promised. Kathryn was the sunshine of every life she touched. She truly brightened your day with that infectious smile. She probably inspired you to make a positive change in your life. She was the best daughter, wonderful sister, amazing friend, and just a terrific person. Her 21 years were short but lived to the very fullest with love and compassion. Viewing is the 11th anytime between 1 and 5 at Mountain View Funeral home in Lakewood, WA. The Service and Celebration of Life is on the 25th at Noon at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 North Stevens, Tacoma, WA (Flowers may be sent here on the 24th) Don't wear black - Bright and Vibrant just like Kathryn. Donations can be given to the Bradleys with checks made out to ACS Camp Goodtimes West.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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