GEORGIA, — While a 6-year-old was treated for a rare brain cancer, her family turned their pain into peace by creating a nonprofit in her name.
Keris Kares is named after the Bembry's second oldest daughter, Keris.
"She loved all things pretty, all things sparkly, but she was also really a creative spirit, and she added a lot of life and fun to our family. That's how we remember her," Deidre Bembry said.
Spunk, style and a bright smile shone through Keris Bembry's soul.
"She was very, surprisingly, spiritual," Deidre recalls. "She would talk about God a lot."
Mom calls her daughter "an angel" today.
"In November of 2013, her balance was off, and her pre-K teacher called me and said, 'Something is really wrong with Keris, and if it were me, I would take her to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta,'" Deidre remembers.
Mom and dad, Travers "Trey" Bembry, went back and from from their home in Columbus to Atlanta seeking treatment.
For the last 22 months of her life, Keris' was surrounded by doctors, oncologists and researchers.
"They told us that they saw a mass, and surprisingly, for both of us, that was a relief," Diedre said. "We didn't think that was the end of the world because we know tumors are operable, she's young and maybe it was something that they could take out, and we could get back on track with our lives."
But the reality was far from what the Bembry's could ever expect.
"The results of the MRI changed our lives," Deidre said. "We were advised that she was diagnosed with a very rare form of brain cancer located on the brain stem called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)."
"It was devastating to hear as a parent," Diedre said, but it was devastation that led to them to form the foundation as Keris received treatment in Texas.
The family put their heads together and formed Keris Kares in 2015.
"When you deal with cancer, everything stops in your life," Deidre said. "That's all you're thinking about. But unfortunately, life keeps going."
Like many families living with pediatric cancer, bills don't stop coming.
To help families during a critical time, the motivation behind Keris Kares is to "pay it forward and bless other hurting families the same way the community blessed Keris and our family," according to Mom.
When the organization was founded, Keris was able to attend the first fundraising gala event.
She passed two weeks before the second event; Diedre remembers her family hurting and contemplating canceling it, but when they received an outpour of love and support from the community during the traumatic time, the family decided to move forward and celebrate her.
In 2018, the organization earned nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3).
Since then, the foundation has "Kared" and "Konnected" with communities through four initiatives from the donated dollars.
The Family Emergency Fund "provides supplementary financial assistance to families with financial needs resulting from a pediatric cancer diagnosis. The grant covers non-medical costs such as rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, car loans, and car insurance payments," according to its website.
The Food for Families Program "replenishes snacks at the Ronald McDonald Family Room and serves meals to families receiving long-term cancer care at the Children's Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA).
The "Cancer Stops with Me" Brain Cancer Research Initiative financially supports the Georgia Chapter of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Finally, the nonprofit's now rolling out the Keris Kares 4 the Arts Program.
Because Keris loved all things art and it was her way of expressing herself creatively during her cancer treatment, the foundation is donating art supplies to elementary schools in Georgia throughout the school year and sponsors patient Art Parties at CHOA.
"Cancer is an expensive fight," Deidre said. "But, just know that the pain we experience is not in vain."
Their next event is in Warner Robins at Suite 616. Event Venue on Sept. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $50; you can book a table for $400. Reserve your spot here.
