It’s always sad to hear of someone struggling with cancer but it’s doubly hard when you hear that someone as young as Khameyea Jennings has succumbed to the devastating illness.
The 18-year-old made headlines several weeks ago when she attended her prom on the arms of Jacksonville Jaguars player Sen’Derrick Marks.
Khameyea was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2013. But despite the grim diagnosis, the teenager didn’t let that get in the way of living her life to the fullest. She continued with her studies even as she struggled with chemotherapy and it’s a testament to her will that she was able to finish high school early.
Jennings was initially unsure about attending prom but her grandmother encouraged her.
Teen passes away after having her dream date at prom with NFL player Sen’Derrick Marks. http://t.co/R7uTzePQcb pic.twitter.com/03W01jK1rG
— The Root (@TheRoot) May 24, 2015
Unfortunately, tragedy again struck the already struggling family when Jenning’s grandmother was also diagnosed with cancer and lost to it in March.
Attending the prom seemed to be a fitting tribute to both of them and Khameyea’s mother admitted that her daughter wanted “a day to be normal, not to have to worry about needles, chemo, potassium levels.”
Local organization Dreams Come True made sure that Khameyea’s dream will come true.
The non-profit group got in touch with the Jacksonville Jaguars and broached the subject of Jennings’ prom.
Marks, known to be very careful with the charities he supports, immediately agreed to the request.
“I want to do something where you actually make someone’s day, to make a difference in someone’s life,” the defensive player said.
And he did just that.
Marks visited Khameyea in the hospital and asked her to be his date. He also picked her up in his Lambhorgini on May 2 to escort her to the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology prom.
Teen taken to prom by Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive lineman Sen’Derrick Marks passes away. http://t.co/OhdAcaJmtx pic.twitter.com/nGN2RoA1bz
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 23, 2015
The teen with the big smile sadly lost her battle with cancer last Friday. But while her family and friends struggle with their loss, it’s undoubtedly made easier with the knowledge that Khameyea was able to enjoy her prom, just like a normal teenager.
Cancer claims the life of teen 19 days after #Auburn‘s Sen’Derrick Marks escorts her to prom http://t.co/xTZ9AYUjcB pic.twitter.com/w5vGILbSqW
— AL.com (@aldotcom) May 23, 2015