Cancer benefit for Scott City 3-year-old draws steady stream of people

Since Katelyn Dannenmueller was admitted to the hospital, she's celebrated her third birthday, announced she wants to become a doctor and started a love of princesses phase.

"She tells everyone her blood is sick. But she's happy all the time and has never asked to come home. She knows she has to stay down here until she's better," said her mother, Pam Dannenmueller.

The community has rallied around the bubbly Scott City girl, diagnosed with leukemia in October. A steady stream of friends and family flowed through Culver's Wednesday night for a benefit.

"The generosity and outpouring of people coming to our aid, some of them complete strangers, really restores your faith in people," said her grandmother, Donna Joplin.

At a similar benefit at McAlister's Deli, extra help had to be called in because so many people arrived. "There are just so many people that want this kid to get well," Joplin said.

Trouble started in October when Katelyn was bitten by a spider. Dannenmueller, a fifth-grade teacher at Scott City Middle School, became alarmed when Katelyn never regained color. She also noticed some red spots and bruising, and Katelyn had suffered from a couple of headaches.

After putting Katelyn to bed, Dannenmueller "had a horrible feeling" and researched symptoms of childhood leukemia. Katelyn displayed all the signs but one.

"The doctor did a blood test here. Her blood count was so low they wanted to air evac her to St. Louis. But Pam drove her up there," said Shirley Essner, Katelyn's grandmother.

Katelyn was diagnosed with leukemia Oct. 14, and by Oct. 16 the family was heading to Memphis, Tenn., for treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Both Dannenmueller and her husband, Ryan, have taken leaves of absences from their jobs. Their 8-month-old son, Jacob, is staying with Essner.

St. Jude covers all the medical expenses insurance does not, so money from the benefits will go toward living expenses.

The plan is to be home by Christmas, but Katelyn's small body is wracked with an infection, and the next round of chemotherapy can't begin until it is fought.

While in Memphis, the family stays at the Ronald McDonald House. Katelyn stays there too, unless she has an infection and is admitted to the hospital overnight.

Depending on the treatment necessary, some days Katelyn only spends an hour and a half at St. Jude to complete blood work; other days, the family is there 14 hours.

"The generosity of everyone down there is amazing. It's the best hospital. They're just wonderful," Dannenmueller said.

Treatment will last another two and a half to three years. The next phase of treatment will consist of the family spending one week at St. Jude and one week at home for eight weeks.

The Ronald McDonald House has play rooms, and Katelyn loves spending time outdoors. Family pictures depict a smiling blond and blue-eyed girl blowing bubbles in her backyard and watering flowered plants. One day in Memphis Katelyn played on swings for an hour and a half because she did not want to go inside. She also loves to watch "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," Essner said.

Her form of leukemia, acute lymphoblastic, is fast-growing but has a five-year survival rate of 94 percent, according to the St. Jude website.

Family and friends describe Katelyn as sassy but sweet, polite, curious, generous and someone who loves to mother-hen her baby brother.

"Through all of this, I have never seen Pam and Ryan fall apart. They are so strong. A lot of people would have crumbled under the pressure. It's because of all the support we're receiving," Joplin said.

lbavolek@semissouiran.com

388-3627

Additional Katelyn's Krusaders benefits

What: Winter Wonderland of Treasure craft fair

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: St. Denis Parish Center, 115 N. Winchester St. in Benton, Mo.

What: Auction, dinner and dance. The band "The Intentions" will play.

When: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Jan. 24

Where: St. Denis Parish Center

Tickets: $25, call 573-382-2812 or 573-545-3017