It is with the deepest sadness that the Kenny family shares Dylan Lawrence Kenny was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday May 25, 2021 following his decade-long battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. He is survived by his loving wife Allana, whom he married in the days just before he passed, his devoted parents Larry and Jeanette, his broken-hearted siblings Shelby, Tyler, Kyle, and Kelsi, his adored niece Kenzie, as well as his much-loved furry family: His 3 dogs Lakota, Titus, Cerberus, his snake Isanami, and his ferret Eight Ball. He is also deeply mourned by his grandmother Mrs Jean Davison, his extended family to include his aunts, uncles and cousins, his many friends as well as the many who followed his Ewing’s journey.
Dylan was born on July 30, 2002, in Galloway Township, NJ, and was welcomed as the fifth child of Larry and Jeanette Kenny. He immediately claimed his place as the official baby of the family and instantly got to work bringing immeasurable joy to the entire Kenny family. Even from a young age, he was a jokester who cracked up the family all the time. His mom and dad called him Lil’ man for years while tiny Kenzie christened her much-loved uncle, Dylbo!
While the curse that is Ewing’s cut Dylan’s life short by decades, his story is so much bigger than his illness. There’s so much to share about Dylan but perhaps his most notable quality was that he had such an incredible way with people. Honestly, he was better with them than most individuals you’ll ever meet. It may have been his eyes; Crystal blue and so beautiful, he’d could side-eye you in a good or bad way and whoever was on the receiving end of his intense gaze would be putty in his hands.
As he marched toward adulthood, Allana, his now newlywed wife, was the love of his life nearly from when he first set eyes on her. But as he was growing up, his heart was so pure and so big, he fell half in love with every friend his big sisters had. As illustration of the innate affection he had for everyone, he was all of five or six when he marched over to the neighbors to magnanimously declare that he was in love with their granddaughter.
It was that same giant heart that saw him battle the horrendous beast that is Ewing’s sarcoma an unimaginable nine times. The recurrences over the course of the past decade caused his education to be interrupted multiple times. But even though Grade 4 was essentially the last grade he was able to attend in person and during his last year of high school he was on hospice for the 1st time, he persevered and he graduated from Warwick High School.
Though his challenges were certainly adult-sized, he was also a typical teenage kid…He loved to drive and was literally driving since he was 10 such that actually getting his license was a dream come true. Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. They were his babies. The last pair he bought were delivered the day after he passed. He bought them while lying in bed during his final days.
He loved his quad and couldn’t wait for fishing this summer with his Mom and Kenzie. He listened to music at TOP volume no matter where he was. After graduation, he worked at UTZ and busted his butt, even when on chemo, to try and work his hardest. He was the best brother…the best uncle…and certainly the best son! He was giving , so giving; He knew what it meant to be the recipient of kindness so he would help anyone he could!
The Kenny family wishes to acknowledge the entire team at DuPont Hospital-especially Dr. Robin Miller, Dr. Powell, and Dr. Thacker as well as super RN Steph and the rest of the Hem/Onc team for their incredible care of Dylan throughout his lengthy ordeal. We take comfort in our heartfelt belief that the compassion and focus that guided Dylan’s treatment saw him realize several extra years. No single stone was left unturned as this skilled team pressed on until every available option was exhausted. We are beyond grateful for the gift of every extra moment their expertise delivered to our hero Dylan. We will remain forever in their debt.
As well, the Kenny’s would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who, through word and deed, lifted up Dylan, and indeed the entire family, during this long, soul-sucking journey. As anyone who has lived the true hell that is a loved one waging a life-and-death battle with pediatric cancer can attest, the bitter truth is childhood cancer doesn’t impact just the patient, rather the whole family. Whether a gesture was to address a specific need, an answer to a request for assistance, an encouraging comment when all seemed lost or the constant stream of prayers, the outpouring of support over the years was our only light in this the darkest of tunnels. On behalf of our beloved Dylan, we will remember and be forever grateful to every last soul who took his cause to heart.
Even though our hearts are shattered, we are relieved that Dylan is now free of the horrible suffering of Ewing’s sarcoma and no longer a prisoner of this hideous cancer. It is our only comfort as we try to navigate the enormity and unbearable pain our loss. Rest well Dylan. We are broken to consider our lives without you. We love you more than words can express. We will miss you more than they can say.
Due to the restrictions of Covid, the family is planning a Celebration of Life at a date to be determined which will be held at their home for all Dylan’s family and friends to attend.
Cremation Services of Lancaster 717-273-6283