Teen Cancer Survivor Launches ‘Herd of Hope’ Fundraiser

At just 15 years old, Kenley Commins learned she had a rare form of blood cancer. Now a Ross High School senior in Butler County, Ohio, she is using her own cancer journey to raise money and awareness in the fight to find a cure — one dollar at a time.

Kenley received treatment at Cincinnati Children’s and has been in remission for two years. Her battle with rare lymphoma began in June 2023 and quickly became a long and difficult road marked by chemotherapy, months in the hospital, relapse, and a bone marrow transplant. Instead of letting her experience define her in silence, Kenley has turned it into purpose.

A Long Road Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Relapse

Kenley underwent six rounds of chemotherapy following her diagnosis in June 2023. By October, she was declared cancer-free. But just two months later, in December, her cancer returned. She faced additional chemotherapy and, in 2024, underwent a bone marrow transplant.

Now 18 years old, Kenley reflects on her journey not only as a survivor but as someone who understands how unpredictable and emotionally heavy a cancer diagnosis can be. Her experience, she says, reshaped her outlook on life and on the urgency of finding cures for blood cancers.

A Friendship That Sparked a Mission

During her treatment at Cincinnati Children’s, Kenley formed a friendship with another teen patient. That friendship became a source of strength during some of her hardest moments. When her friend later passed away, the loss deeply impacted her.

“It made me realize that we need to find a cure for this disease,” Kenley said.

That realization became the spark behind what would turn into a growing fundraising and awareness effort within her school and community.

‘Herd of Hope’ Grows From School Project to Purpose

Kenley launched “Herd of Hope” as part of a school business project. What started as a class assignment quickly became a passion project. Inspired by Ross High School’s mascot, the Rams, the group chose the name “Herd of Hope” to reflect the belief that they are stronger together.

Kenley’s little sister, Kaylin Commins, and her best friend, Ava Bosse — both Ross students — joined the effort. Together, the three girls began organizing bake sales, silent auctions, and social media fundraising campaigns to support blood cancer research and families affected by cancer.

Fundraising for Research and Families

In the two years since they began, Herd of Hope has raised $16,000. Their 2026 fundraiser is currently underway with a goal of raising $25,000 by March. This year’s efforts include a silent auction organized through their Instagram page.

One of the most notable items in the auction is a jersey donated by Ohio State Football and signed by numerous players. Kenley coordinated the donation herself, securing signatures from fan-favorite players and making the jersey a centerpiece of this year’s fundraising push.

All funds raised are being donated to Blood Cancer United to support research aimed at finding a cure, as well as programs that help families manage the financial burdens that come with cancer care.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Kenley says her cancer journey has inspired her future plans. She hopes to pursue medicine and become a pediatric oncologist, using her personal experience to help children facing the same diagnoses she once did.

Through Herd of Hope, Kenley and her team are proving that even students can make a meaningful impact. Their efforts show how personal hardship can be transformed into collective action — offering hope, support, and tangible help to families and patients fighting blood cancer.