Cancer Patient Is Treated Like Royalty

Three-year old Mykenzi Adams wants to be a cop, so last Friday, she became a deputy for a day, and a princess, thanks to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

Mykenzi was diagnosed with cancer about six weeks ago, and has already undergone two treatments of chemotherapy, and just got out of the hospital last week because of complications from a fever.

Mykenzi has neuroblastoma, and it apparently began in her chest before spreading to her hips, femur, and pelvis.

Her mother, Chelsie Williams, called the newspaper about what the JCSO was doing for her daughter because she wanted to recognize law enforcement for their positive actions, and she wants parents to realize that children’s cancer does happen. Mykenzi was complaining of leg pain when the cancer was found. She just turned three on August 28, and it wasn’t long before the health ordeal began.

She is scheduled to be undergoing chemotherapy as this paper goes to press.

Mykenzi has a sister, Makaela, 6, and a brother, Malaki, 9. Her grandparents, Robin Morrell and Ricky Hall, help Ms. Williams with child care so that someone is with Mykenzi all the time, and the other children are not totally left out.

Ms. Williams had no idea what was in store for her daughter when she became a cop for a day. When Mykenzi arrived at the sheriff’s office she was greeted by several law enforcement officers, and she immediately went to a patrol car, and played with the lights and sirens. Then she went for a brief ride. After that, she also took a ride in a Jasper County fire truck, also becoming a firefighter for a day. She was later presented with her own helmet from the fire department. It’s a little large for her, but will be placed strategically where she can see it.

After Mykenzi went for her rides, she returned to the lobby of the JCSO where she was greeted by Disney princesses, Olaf from Frozen, a Ninja Turtle, and Champs, the crime-fighting dog. She had an opportunity to visit with them, then the princesses presented her with gifts from the deputies.

She got a color-me castle, a magnetic play set that can be made into a fireman or policeman, and a shirt. Then, Mykenzi went back into the offices at the JCSO, and was presented with her own badge and JCSO identification card. And, to be a member of law enforcement, a pair of handcuffs is necessary. So Mykenzi got her own handcuffs to go with her badge. She took delight in the toy police car she was given. It has lights and sirens that really work.

She, along with her brother and sister, received shirts designating them as “little deputies.” She also received a bag to carry her stuff in, and lots of well wishes. Ms. Williams said Mykenzi is being treated at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, and that the hospital has been a blessing to the family. She talked about how well they take care of not only Mykenzi, but the whole family. Unfortunately, Mykenzi will likely spend Christmas in the hospital.

After about an hour, it was time for the characters to return to whence they came, and for Mykenzi to head home. But, for a time, she was a real “policeman,” and she can be one anytime now as she has the uniform, badge, handcuffs, and, of course, the car.

A special thanks goes out to Lyric Arnold, Ryan Nelson, Garrett Kirksey, Ardasia Benton, Loren Pope, and Kellie Evans for helping make the day a success.