By Andrea Schmauss –
The Nations Law Firm would like to share a story about a special young lady we met at a recent DPS / HPD Make a Wish Event. Six-year-old Khyrstin Andrews, better known as “Kyssi,” was diagnosed in 2012 with a Wilms’ Tumor, a type of childhood cancer that affects the kidneys. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she was declared cancer-free. But not long after that, her Wilms’ Tumor returned and metastasized to her lungs. She underwent a surgery and an intense type of chemotherapy.
In January 2014 Kyssi was declared cancer-free once again. But at her six-month follow-up appointment, doctors found that Kyssi’s cancer had returned a third time. As always, Kyssi, her Mom Marla, family, friends and more than 160,000 Facebook page supporters and more than 9,000 Instagram followers were ready to beat Wilms’ Tumor — and smile while doing it. Now at stage 4, this little trooper still manages to stay optimistic and cheerful.
Kyssi’s wish is to be a police officer so she can help people. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Houston Police Department (HPD) pulled out all the stops to make her wish come true. The agencies had uniforms made for her, complete with boots, belts, hat, badges and name plates. In June, Kyssi was sworn in as an honorary Houston Police Office. Today, October 27, 2014 she was sworn in as an honorary Texas Trooper. Following the swearing in ceremony, she went into the communications room and called on the radio for her patrol car. The car came and she went for a ride with lights and siren and even pulled over a vehicle and wrote that lucky driver a ticket. Next stop, the HPD Mounted Officers had her up on a horses taking a short ride. The HPD Solo Officers where next on the list and she looked adorable on their motorcycle. Then a ride in the DPS helicopter. She said she really liked the helicopter, although her mom got a little excited up there. This amazing girl returned to headquarters to accept a variety of presents, plaques, and other goodies. She gave several TV interviews like a true veteran. Kyssi ended her day by getting on the DPS radio and signing off her shift. Although very tired by the end of the day, she still maintained a smile and several giggles.
We never know what direction life will take us. Seeing Kyssi and all she has been through in her short 6 years, we are humbled and thankful for all the blessings in life and we are grateful to share in this special event.
