Turning a Family’s Cancer Journey Into a Legacy of Giving
• Kendra Falby is supporting Moffitt Cancer Center, where her father received lifesaving leukemia treatment
• Kent Falby was given a 15% chance of survival after his 2002 leukemia diagnosis
• More than 20 years later, Kendra is using her softball platform to give back to Moffitt and help others facing cancer
Kendra Falby’s connection to Moffitt Cancer Center began before she was even born.
In 2002, her parents, Jennifer and Kent Falby, received exciting news: They were expecting their first child, just seven months after getting married. But only four days later, their excitement turned to fear when Kent was diagnosed with leukemia. What began as an unexpected and frightening chapter for a young family would become a story of resilience, gratitude and coming full circle.
Facing the Fight of His Life
At just 36, Kent was stunned by the diagnosis. Confident, active and feeling invincible, he never imagined he would face a life-threatening illness. After Jennifer connected with Moffitt, his outlook began to change. Learning that much of his treatment could be done on an outpatient basis gave him hope and helped replace fear with determination.
On the morning he was scheduled to begin chemotherapy, he surprised his wife with a newfound sense of optimism. Drawing on a lifetime of playing competitive hockey, he viewed cancer as another challenge to overcome. Every year he had to earn his place on a team, and he approached leukemia the same way.
“This is a hockey team I have to make,” he told his wife. “I’m ready. Let’s get this thing rolling,” Kent said.
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15%
Chance of survival after being diagnosed with leukemia
Approaching treatment with the grit, discipline and perseverance that defined his athletic career, Kent refused to focus on the odds. Despite being given only a 15% chance of survival, he was determined to fight for the life he wanted and the family he loved. That mindset became the foundation of his battle against leukemia and a lesson he would later pass on to his children: Fight for what matters.
A Front-Row Seat to Life’s Biggest Moments
Jennifer and Kent are always cheering on their daughters Miley and Kendra.
Today, one of the greatest rewards of that fight is being able to watch his daughters grow up and pursue their dreams. Seeing Kendra excel at the highest levels of softball is especially meaningful, knowing there was a time when he might have missed those moments.
“I worked so hard to get past all that, I wasn’t going to miss anything that my kids do,” Kent said.
Kendra has built a successful softball career, and her father’s experience has remained an important part of her perspective.
Kent rarely missed a game, cheering her on from the stands through college and into her professional career. He fought through cancer because he wanted to watch his children grow up, and thanks to that determination, he did.
Giving Back to the Organization That Changed Everything
Kent’s journey taught Kendra the value of perseverance, resilience and refusing to give up, lessons that translated naturally onto the softball field. Years later, she discovered a new way to carry those lessons forward.
When the opportunity arose to participate in the Athletes Unlimited All-Star Cup, she knew she wanted to support a cause close to her heart. The choice was easy.
Portland Cascade outfielder Kendra chose to give back to Moffitt Cancer Center, which helped save her father’s life. Courtesy of YourOregon News.com.
She chose Moffitt.
Kendra wanted to use her platform to raise awareness for the organization that played such a significant role in her family’s story. For her, supporting Moffitt was deeply personal. It was the place her family turned to during one of the most difficult moments of their lives and the reason so many cherished family memories became possible.
Her decision reflects something she has learned through both her family’s experience and her athletic career: You never know what someone else may be going through. By sharing her family’s story and highlighting Moffitt’s impact, she hopes to reach people who may need hope, encouragement or simply a reminder that help is available.
Coming Full Circle
For Kent, watching his daughter give back to the organization that helped save his life has been especially meaningful.
“It’s amazing. It’s weird how it’s come full circle. I’m kind of speechless,” Kent said.
The little girl whose life was just beginning while her father battled leukemia grew into an accomplished athlete with a platform of her own. Today, she is using that platform to help others and support the place that helped give her family more time together.
