All In On Baylee

Baylee’s cancer journey began back in August 2025, when she noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of her neck. At first, it didn’t seem like anything major, and during her annual visit her GP recommended simply keeping an eye on it and getting an ultrasound if it was still there in 6–8 weeks. September and October came and went as normal, but the lymph node never went away. In November, Baylee finally had an ultrasound done, but the results were inconclusive. Her doctor ordered an MRI, but unfortunately life got in the way, a new job, insurance changes, the holidays, and all the chaos that comes with everyday life. In early March, Baylee was finally able to complete the MRI, which revealed three masses: one in her neck where the original swollen lymph node was located, one near her right ear in her parotid gland, and one near her left clavicle. On March 25th, biopsies were performed on all three sites, and on March 31st she was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A PET scan on April 7th showed that the cancer had spread to her bone marrow, resulting in a Stage IV diagnosis. If you know Baylee, you know she’s approaching this the same way she approaches everything else in life, with determination, humor, and making endless jokes at her own expense. Baylee is now facing 12 rounds of Nivo AVD immunotherapy and chemotherapy over the next 6 months. She began treatment on April 28th and assuming everything goes smoothly, her oncologist expects it to wrap up sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving 2026. As Baylee adjusts to treatment, she is currently on short-term disability from her job as a corporate recruiter, receiving 60% of her salary for the foreseeable future. Even once she returns to work, she will likely come back gradually at reduced capacity and salary while continuing treatment and recovery. We created this page to make it easier for our wonderful friends, family members, coworkers, and loved ones who have reached out asking how they can help. Baylee’s younger sister, Kyleigh, will be moving in with her full time after graduating from Providence College in May to help care for Baylee and the family dog Bella during treatment. Because Baylee will be immunocompromised throughout chemotherapy, Kyleigh’s ability to work outside the home will also be limited while helping care for them in Chicago. We’ve included several ways to support, whether that means helping cover groceries, contributing financially through Venmo, sending a meal, helping with day-to-day needs, or simply checking in with a call or text to lift Baylee’s spirits. Every act of support, big or small, means more than words can say to Baylee and the entire Kennington family. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Kyleigh Kennington at 973-647-0008 or Kaela Kennington at 201-874-2973. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, encouragement, and support during this time. 💜