My Life was changed the day a little girl I knew was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Her name was Kylie Ann Rosset, and she was only three years old when she was told she had this rare and deadly disease. 

I first met her at Dance Plus where we both attended. Kylie always stood out among the others in her dance class because she had a beautiful smile. Kylie's smile would light up the room whenever she danced or sang. I saw this smile less and less from the day she was diagnosed to the day she left this world. 

During the six months that she fought her disease, she proved that she wanted to live. Kylie taught me that life is a gift, and can be taken away at any moment. She taught me that I must concentrate on being the best person I can be today. She taught me to put my problems in perspective. As I listened to my friends in school fret over shoes matching their outfits, my thoughts would turn to Kylie laying in her hospital bed wondering if she would live one more day. 

I was excited to receive my Red Bank Catholic application packet. I turned to the back cover and realized that I was looking at a picture of the church where Kylie's funeral mass was held. As I looked at the picture I envisioned the tiny, white, velvet casket with flowers laid over it. I saw her family to the left and right of the casket, and I saw myself in one of the pews. I now realize how much this little angel has affected me. 

Kylie passed away over a year ago, but her spirit is still very much alive. Whenever I go to a certain place or hear a certain song, it reminds me of Kylie's smile. My experience with Kylie has shown me that life is short, and we must live each day to it's fullest. I do this in honor of Kylie.

By: Laura A. Monello