Twelve-year-old Kaden Keehan of Lecanto started having pain in his belly during the fall of 2017. After many tests doctors determined that Kaden had a rare form of cancer, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor or DSRCT. Only 40 – 50 cases are reported each year. Kaden has endured multiple surgeries and countless rounds of chemotherapy, both at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
When Kaden was asked by representatives of the Children’s Dream Fund what would be his dream come-true, he was quick to respond - to meet the band 21 Pilots, as they were an inspiration to him during his many long days of treatments and hospital stays. So inspiring, in fact, that Kaden even taught himself to play drums, ala Josh Dun, so he could play their music.
On Saturday, November 3rd, with the generous help of iHeart Radio, Kaden’s dream come true. Following a special lunch at the Capital Grille, he arrived at the Amalie Arena in a His & Hers limousine, and had an amazing, never-to-be-forgotten meet-and-greet with the members of the band before watching the show from special seats.
Kaden is now back in New York for yet another surgery, with more chemo to follow. He is strong and courageous, and carries with him memories that will last a lifetime thanks to iHeartRadio's 933FLZ and the members of 21 Pilots.
The Children’s Dream Fund has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses living throughout West Central Florida since 1981. For more information, go to www.childrensdreamfund.org. or contact Dream Coordinator Mallory Young, myoung@childrensdreamfund.org.