American Idol Finalist, Chris Daughtry's Kindness to a Little "Warrior" in her Battle against Cancer

[Debi~BLW]

American Idol Finalist, Chris Daughtry's Kindness to a Little "Warrior" in her Battle against Cancer
by Aimee Herd/BCN Exclusive : Jul 27, 2009 : Boey's Daughtry Video

"…I believe that an innocent, beautiful child without fault, undeserving of her condition, was ultimately healed 100% of her suffering. That's grace from God, and that's more powerful than cancer. I believe that Boeys' undying fight encouraged more people with her condition to continue to fight and never give up…" –Chris Daughtry

The Byers family has certainly gone through a roller coaster ride of downs and ups and downs, in the last several years.

Just a glance at the family's chronicle of their precious daughter, Jenessa Nicole "Boey," and her remarkably courageous fight against the cancer, will clue you in to the radiant life that Boey was, and now is again, in Heaven.

There were many extraordinary events in the journey Boey and her family took since she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcom..a (RMS) in 2006. Not the least of which was being selected by ABC's Extreme Home Makeover, for a home renovation, and even more importantly, Boey's tireless efforts in lobbying Congress to pass the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act—legislation.. that did finally pass sometime after Boey went home to Jesus, in December of 2007.

Boey and Chris DaughtryBut, according to her father, Rob; during the first part of Boey's battle, one of the biggest encouragements for her came in the form of a finalist on TV's American Idol, season 5.

"We would watch American Idol in the hospital," Rob Byers explained. "The first time she saw Chris [Daughtry], who was bald, she said, 'Look Mommy, he's bald like me!'" (Boey had lost her hair during chemo treatments) She fell in love with him and his voice that day.

"It was posted somewhere on an American Idol forum, and Chris heard that she was a fan. He emailed, but we didn't believe [that it was him]. And then, he called her. They talked several times; he actually gave [Boey] his cell phone number. She was very excited, it was very cool. On one occasion, right before she went into radiation, he called and sang her, her favorite song.

"[Chris'] fans also found out about Boey, so we would get cards, letters, and a lot of encouragement from the fans. …It kind of changed Boey's mentality from being a 'victim,' to being a 'warrior.'

"Right after her 'conquering cancer' [before her second battle with it]; it was a celebration, [Chris] got us backstage and spent time with our family; it was awesome. It was kind of a diversion from the stress of fighting cancer. There was a transformation of our family; in the beginning, he brought the encouragement needed, and then the second time through, we got real serious with God, and with fighting the cancer."

On Daughtry's official website, Chris posted a tribute to Boey in his December 2007 blog that reads:

Remembering A Fighter....
My heart aches for the Byers family for their great loss.
The brief moments that I was blessed with of getting to know Boey, were such an inspiration. She demonstrated the perfect example of how to handle life. She didn't choose her condition, yet she didn't blame anyone and she didn't let it hinder her from being "her". Nothing is certain. Our time on Earth is limited and I believe she lived hers to the fullest. Many will ask "Why did this happen?" or "How can God do this?", but I believe that an innocent, beautiful child without fault, undeserving of her condition, was ultimately healed 100% of her suffering. That's grace from God, and that's more powerful than cancer. I believe that Boeys' undying fight encouraged more people with her condition to continue to fight and never give up. She was and still is an inspiration to us all on how to live life and handle life when "life" happens. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Byers family as they deal with their loss. God bless, Boey. I feel so honored to have met you and experience your beautiful spirit. I love you and will miss you dearly -Chris

On a fantastic side note; after recently being diagnosed as having a tumor, Rob received prayer for healing at his church. The next day he went for an MRI, and not only was the tumor gone, but the infertility problems he'd had were healed, as his wife, Rachel, is now expecting a baby—due on her own birthday.

Look for a forthcoming book which Rob is writing, to document this entire journey with Boey, and these new chapters that—as Rob says—"God is [still] writing."

To watch the Byers family's poignant video chronicling some of the fun and good times shared by Boey and Chris Daughtry, follow the link provided.

http:../../..www...breakingchristi..annews...com/..articles/..display_..art...html?ID=6986

[Katie]

This is such a fantastic article! I didn't know that Rachel was expecting! What an exciting thing. Congrats to Rachel! I will pray for a healthy and happy baby for you and your family to love and cherish. I know Boey must be jumping for joy up in Heaven.