Kennedy Wittkamper

This week we are celebrating the wonderful Kennedy Wittkamper! Kennedy is a Senior at Purdue studying Animal Sciences. Kennedy is from Tipton, IN.

Kennedy heard about PUDM before she came to Purdue and immediately knew she wanted to join. Her favorite part is being able to give back to the hospital that saved her, all while making beautiful friendships with such amazing people! Kennedy has been a part of PUDM as a logistic committee member, an in-kind sponsorships chair, and is a current internal stewardship chair. Kennedy additionally received an incredible award during the 2023 Marathon, the Molly Widner Courage Award.

Read this to learn more about Kennedy’s story; “I was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in October 2018 when I was just 15 years old. I went through 2 and a half years of chemotherapy, which was mostly outpatient, but I also had multiple hospital stays because of neutropenic fevers. I had to have both hip joints replaced at age 17 because of a condition called Avascular Necrosis (AVN) caused by steroids used in my treatment. I still have AVN in my elbow and wrists but it is being managed well by my care team. My cancer journey was the most difficult thing I have ever gone through, but I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without it and I’m so lucky that I had so much support. I had the most incredible team of doctors and nurses at Riley who still make sure I’m taken care of, and I’m so thankful that I’m doing great now because of them.”

Kennedy loves cats, crocheting, being outside, and Cheez-Its! She is a HUGE fan of Andy Samberg. Brooklyn Nine Nine is her favorite show! The above photo is of Kennedy and her youngest brother, Konnely and at Riley in 2019! She has 3 younger brothers. They came to many of her treatments with her and she thinks they are the best!

A note from Kennedy’s co-chairs and Exec in Internal Stewardship; “Kennedy is such a genuine, kind-hearted, and passionate person - Instew would not be the same without her! Like the squish mallows she loves so much, Kennedy has such a bright demeanor and personality, and is so soft-hearted and easy to love. Kennedy puts so much passion and effort into everything she does, and we are so thankful for the smiles and laughs she brings along everywhere she goes.”

We love you, Kennedy!