After being diagnosed with a rare terminal genetic disorder and eventually losing her eye sight, Kennedy Hanson has became an inspiration for her high school cheerleading squad.
According to The Standard, even though the 16 year old student is losing her ability to walk or even talk, she isn't going to let that stop her from reaching her dream of becoming a cheerleader.
"She’s at about a pre-school level and she has a little less than a year to live," said Kennedy's father, Jason Hansen.
Kennedy's lifelong dream was fulfilled when her father walked her down to the track to hear the cheerleaders during a high school game. Kennedy's father told the squad that she had always wanted to be a cheerleader.
Jason wrote in a journal that he had how he wished his daughter could join the squad, but knew that it could never happen. Not long after, prayers were answered when the cheerleading coach contacted Kennedy and asked her to join the team.
“For me as a dad, it was a prayer answered. I would have been completely content with one game, but the experience was with Jill Schofield, who’s the coach, who does not build cheerleaders, she builds young women," said Jason.
Yahoo! News noted that Kennedy inspires not only her cheerleading squad, but the people in the stands that attend the games.
“There’s something magical that happens when she gets with the girls.” said Kennedy’s mother, Heather. “She's energetic and vibrant and just comes alive. She comes alive again. She's having so much fun."
Kennedy inspires her fellow squad members and helps them to understand what life is about. She has taught them to be thankful for what you have and to not take advantage of anything.
“She makes the best out of everything. So it just makes me want to be a better person and I want to be like her,” said squad member, Kierstie Arteaga.
Kennedy recently cheered her last game and although her parents aren't sure she will make it to another one, they are very thankful for the opportunities she has been blessed with.