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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — A gazebo in the center of town has become a place of comfort for Kimberly Hutchins.
It is surrounded by reminders of her daughter, Kaitlyn Hutchins: the firehouse that brought her home, the businesses that supported the family and the Dairy Queen where Kaitlyn had her first and only job.
“I like the gazebo,” Kimberly said. “It’s weird. It gives me kind of comfort to be here in the middle of everything.”
Kaitlyn died two months ago after a long battle with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Now, her family is learning how to carry her story forward while navigating the weight of grief.
For Kimberly, the nights she returns home from work are often the most difficult.
They are using it to support other children and families facing cancer. The foundation has already donated sheets and blankets to a children’s oncology unit.
For Kaitlyn’s birthday, the family plans to donate board games to help patients spend time with their loved ones during treatment.
“Next month, for her birthday, we’re donating new board games in her honor so that families can have family time,” Hutchins said.
The foundation will also award scholarships of $500, $1,000 and $2,000 to high school students who plan to pursue careers in health care after graduation.
The family is also advocating for pediatric cancer funding and research.
“We are fighting for a couple of bills right now for pediatric and sarcoma cancer research,” Hutchins said.
The family calls its work doing “Katie things” — acts of kindness meant to help others feel seen, supported and loved.
Hutchins said Kaitlyn’s story continues to reach people beyond their hometown.
“I get messages every day about how her story has impacted people,” Hutchins said. “They’re now in church. They now have a reason to live.”
Kaitlyn’s family said it hopes the foundation will keep her memory alive while providing support and comfort to others facing cancer.
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