by Madison Lawson

Over the summer, on July 15th, just seven months after his diagnosis, Oakdale student Kyle Addington passed away from acute myeloid leukemia at age sixteen. As a member of the Oakdale Wrestling Team, Kyle was funny, creative, fearless and always positive.

“He’s the kid that always had a smile on his face,” declared Senior Chelsea Martin. “If you were having a bad day, he’d make you happy in a heartbeat.”

After a risky bone marrow transplant from his father, doctors told the Addington’s that there was nothing left they could do. Remaining hopeful, Kyle still held his head high as he searched for other ways to cure this awful disease. On July 2nd, the Addingtons (his mother Wendy, father Mike, and brother Ryan) took a trip to Disney World through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Shortly after his return home, Kyle developed a fever and was hospitalized where he then spent his last days surrounded by loved ones.

In memory of Kyle and to honor him and his family, Oakdale has started a fundraiser. Orange bracelets will go on sale for $2.00 for the next two weeks during all lunch shifts (October 5th-16th). “Oakdale Strong” shirts were sold for $15.00 at lunch Thursday October 1st and Friday October 2nd and the Friday-night game on October 2nd. All of the proceeds will go to the Arms Wide Open Foundation, a charity dedicated to the research of pediatric cancer.

In addition, on October 18th, there is a Kyle’s Crusaders Walk at Old National Pike Park. Starting at 2 pm, the walk is two miles long and purely used to raise awareness for childhood cancer; Ms. Wendy Addington will be handing out bracelets there as well. The event is rain or shine and is expected to have a big turn out. To pre-register now, one may go to www.kylescrusaders.kintera.org

Kyle set a goal to raise at least $10,000 for his charity, and Oakdale High School intends to help make that happen. A fellow Bear has passed away, and it is our job to honor him and support the Addington family battle against this terrible illness. Fly high Kyle, we will miss you buddy.     

A flyer made by Wendy Addington to advertise for Kyle’s Crusaders Walk on October 18th.