Lil’ D supporters: Ask me why I’m bald

“Ask me why I’m bald” has become a slogan for one of Wynona’s most valiant warriors.

On Saturday, six-year-old David Kanke (Lil’ D) had his head shaved to bring awareness to children fighting cancers.

David’s mom Kelly Kanke explained that, “Lil D stands for little dragon. When David was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, over a year ago, he said, ‘I want to be a dragon because dragons are big, strong and can beat anything!’” As word of his plight spread. Lil D was soon joined by an army of “Lil’ D’s Dragons.” On Feb. 5, Lil’ D triumphed in his fierce battle when tests confirmed he was cancer free.

In addition to family members, Lil’ D’s pulmonologist, Dr. Lee Droemer, showed up to have his head shaved in honor of this brave little dragon. Sponsored by St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the event was held at the Green Acres Market in Jenks. St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven charity that provides major funding for childhood cancer research and gives hope to cancer-stricken infants, children, teens and young adults.

Lil’ D celebrated his sixth birthday on Friday. While in Jenks, he was treated to a custom-designed birthday cake by Icing Smiles. The cake was topped with a black ‘n white police car that mimicked one given to Lil’ D by members of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and Pawhuska Police Department. Icing Smiles is a nonprofit group that specializes in cakes for children affected by a critical illness.

“Our goal for Saturday’s event was $200,” said mom Kelly Kanke. “We actually raised $359! There’s still time to donate.”

Online donations can be made by visiting www.stbaldricks.org. Search for Kelly Kanke’s name as a participant and your donation will be credited to Lil’ D’s name, or call 888-899-2253.

To learn more about this remarkable young man, visit his Facebook page at Prayer-chain-for-Lil-d-David-Kanke or to send words of encouragement, write to Lil’ D Kanke, PO Box 445, Wynona, OK 74084.