SALT LAKE CITY — What began as an ordinary school assembly turned into a moment 11-year-old Kendalyn Illu will never forget.
The surprise national championship honor
Earlier this year, students and teachers gathered at Kendalyn's school for what appeared to be a routine assembly. Instead, the event became a surprise celebration honoring Kendalyn as a 2026 National Champion for Children's Miracle Network.
The recognition means Kendalyn will represent 170 children's hospitals across the country over the next year. As a national champion, she will share her story at events nationwide and be featured on General Mills cereal boxes and inside Costco stores across the United States.
For Kendalyn and her family, the honor marks another milestone in a journey defined by resilience.
Kendalyn's medical journey and resilience
At just 2 years old, Kendalyn was diagnosed with a rare disorder that prevents her intestines from functioning properly. Today, she lives with complete intestinal failure and receives all of her nutrition through a central line.
Despite those challenges, her parents said she has always been determined to pursue her goals.
Rob Illu, Kendalyn's father, said that drive has shaped her entire life.
“She knows what she wants, she knows what she needs to get there and so that's kind of been like the driving force behind her whole life,” he said.
A positive outlook despite challenges
Throughout years of hospital stays and medical treatments, Kendalyn has maintained a positive outlook. Her family said support from caregivers at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital has made a significant difference, including her favorite art therapist, Ali Ditolla.
Ditolla has watched Kendalyn grow into a confident advocate for herself.
“Kendalyn is so lovely,” Ditolla said. “She has learned to be an advocate for herself. She just goes for it.”
Enjoying life beyond medical hurdles
While medical challenges have been a constant part of her life, Kendalyn said they have never stopped her from enjoying the things she loves.
“I go to ballet. I've done Nutcracker. I play with my friends,” Kendalyn said.
Planning the secret school celebration
Back at school, the surprise celebration was the result of months of planning. Keeping the national champion honor a secret proved challenging for everyone involved.
Kendalyn's mother, Karissa Illu, said only a small group knew what was coming.
“Well, we have an amazing principal for one, and (an) amazing team with Children's Miracle Network who kept it very hush hush,” Karissa said. “The teachers didn't know, the students didn't know, the only people that knew was the administration and our CMN family.”
Looking back, Kendalyn joked that she should have realized something unusual was happening.
“I should have known something ,like, fishy was going on,” she said.
A celebratory moment for all
Even Reggie, Kendalyn's medical alert dog, joined the celebration.
“He was, like, a bit shy,” she said. “He would … back behind me cuz I think he got scared of the party poppers cuz they're so loud.”
As a national champion, Kendalyn will spend the next year traveling across the country and sharing her experiences with others. Her family hopes her story will help raise awareness about Children's Miracle Network and the children it serves.
“Kendalyn gets to tell her story throughout the whole country. She is going to be at a lot of different events where she's able to talk and help people understand what Children's Miracle Network does for kids who are frequently in the hospital,” Karissa said.
For Kendalyn's family, the celebration represented more than a national title. It was a reminder of the support system that has surrounded her throughout her journey.
“It was remarkable being able to see everyone come together and show her so much love and show her how important she is and how even though she has differences, she is still able to be a kid,” Karissa said.
From hospital hallways to a national stage, Kendalyn's story is one of perseverance, joy, and determination. As she begins her year as a national champion, she hopes to inspire others while representing patients treated at Primary Children's Hospital and children's hospitals nationwide.
Tune in to the KSL Give-A-Thon benefiting Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital on Thursday, June 4. It will air all day on KSL NewsRadio, as well as on KSL TV from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations can be made online at kslkids.com or by calling 801-KSL-KIDS. Your support helps ensure that every child, regardless of their family's ability to pay, receives the expert care they need to heal, grow and dream big.
