Kamryn Palka, a 23-year-old from Michigan and a former Kearsley High School basketball star, is courageously battling a rare form of jaw cancer known as synovial sarcoma.
The tumor is located in the space near her jaw, and her treatment plan includes chemotherapy, surgery, and possibly reconstructive surgery to help restore movement and function.
Following this, a post was shared on Facebook:
A close friend, Amanda Hall, has taken the lead in organizing the fundraiser, rallying support from family, friends, and neighbors.
So far, the campaign has raised $10,250 out of its $16,000 goal, reflecting the intense love and generosity of those around her.
Amanda shared in her post:
We are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden of ongoing medical bills and recovery costs. Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward Kamryn’s treatment and healing, allowing her to focus on what matters most: fighting this battle and reclaiming her future. Your generosity will not only help Kamryn through this difficult time but will also ensure she can continue working toward her dream of helping children and families thrive.
Via GoFundMe
This diagnosis has brought not only immense physical and emotional challenges for her, but also overwhelming medical expenses.
On top of it all, Kamryn’s car was recently broken into, and her laptop was stolen, adding even more financial strain to her journey.
Yet despite these hardships, Kamryn continues to hold on tightly to her dream of serving others.
Since August 2024, she has been working at “Laugh & Learn Therapy,” driven by her passion and determination to support children and families impacted by disabilities.
Her resilience and dedication show the strength of her spirit, even in the face of such a brutal fight.
Kamryn’s courage continues to inspire many, and the community stands firmly in support of her fight.
The hope is that her recovery will be smooth, her strength will remain unshaken, and her dreams will continue to shine brighter with every step forward.
Kearsley High Graduate Kamryn Palka Has Made a Name for Herself in Sports and Academics
From the basketball court to the classroom, Kamryn Palka has always stood out as a talented and driven individual.
She is a 2020 graduate of Kearsley High School and earned her degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2024.
Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Ball State University, which she started in 2024.
Kamryn also made her mark in high school athletics. On January 8, 2020, she contributed 11 points in a 59-41 victory over Brandon, with teammate JaKeria Wash adding seven points, six steals, and three assists.
On January 31, 2020, she played a hard-fought game against Flushing, scoring during free throws, though Kearsley ultimately fell 50-40.
In December 2017, she helped Kearsley’s girls’ varsity team defeat visiting Mt. Morris 62-51 in a non-league game.
Beyond basketball, Kamryn excelled on the volleyball court. In 2019, she led the Kearsley team as a middle hitter alongside Sierra Vandyke and Felishia Cunningham.
A full-time varsity player since her first year, she quickly became the team’s top blocker and a key presence on the court.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamryn and fellow senior Skyelar Herriman created an Instagram account, @kearsley.seniors.2020, to showcase senior photos and plans amid school closures.
Today, Kamryn is facing her most formidable challenge yet, as she battles a rare jaw cancer known as synovial sarcoma.
Her courage and determination continue to inspire all who know her as she fights this battle with strength and resilience.
