Through trials, the message becomes clear
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

A needed lift Former Delphi resident Stacy Moriarty lifts her daughter, Kennedy. The 10-year-old was recently diagnosed with bone cancer. Stacy cut her hair off to show support to her daughter when hers had to be removed for treatment. She said she derived strength from her daughter during the illness. "Kennedy is so courageous," she said. "I want to face this head on like she does." Photo provided

Former Carroll County resident Stacy Moriarty has faced many challenges during her life. Even relatively simple hurdles were dealt with as if little else mattered. But obstacles facing her loved ones have transformed what she considers most important.

Moriarty's father, Denny Miller of Delphi, and her daughter, Kennedy, have both been diagnosed with bone cancer.

Moriarty said at first she reacted much as most people would to the news.

"For me it's always somebody else whose been affected by cancer," she explained. "I never thought my 10-year-old daughter and 60-year-old dad would be affected simultaneously."

Kennedy has been receiving treatment at a children's hospital in Colorado. Last week she was allowed to leave the hospital long enough to visit grandpa Denny in Lafayette, where he has been undergoing treatment.

Worth at least a thousand words Kennedy Moriarty and her grandfather Denny Miller snuggle up for a photo. The 10 and 60 year-olds are both fighting bone cancer. Kennedy recently traveled with her mom, former Delphi resident Stacy Moriarty, to Lafayette to visit Denny. Stacy said what she used to consider important was forgotten when she saw her daughter and father interact. "Family and love are all we need," she said. Photo provided

The grandpa and granddaughter met at a hotel in Lafayette to spend time together away from their sterile hospital environs.

Approximately 250 friends and strangers who heard about Kennedy's story made the trip to offer support and encouragement. They found out about the reunion through www.caringbridge.org under the name kennedy1.

Moriarty said when she saw her daughter and father interact, all the little things she used to give so much attention simply didn't matter any more. She said her loved ones' illnesses were big shocks, but changed her priorities.

She said she chose to change inwardly in order to help her family.

"It's hard, but I've learned the small things just don't matter any more," Stacy said. "Sitting at a stoplight and my coffee's not hot enough just doesn't stack up any more."

Instead of being dragged down by negative day-today prognosis, Moriarty envisioned a positive future.

"People tell me one day at a time, but I don't believe it," she explained. "Listening to my daughter, I can see her working with people who have cancer, helping prepare 'her people' about the experience they face. If you think there is no hope, they'll think it, too."

Moriarty said Denny planned to retire in October and was ready to travel and perform mission work in a recreational vehicle. She said he has been stubborn during his illness, but drew strength from his granddaughter.

"Dad said, 'how can I complain when I look at this 10-year-old,'" Moriarty stated.

Some of Kennedy's ribs were removed last week as part of her treatment. The little patient said she was fine with that as opposed to the alternatives.

Kennedy told her mother, "I'd rather lose a couple ribs than lose this beautiful face."

Stacy said her focus and resolve came from her stubborn father and courageous daughter.

"Family and love is all we need," she concluded. "We've been given one chance. I'm so thankful for it."