Emily, Tyler, Chase and Travis Kemberling became the newest members of the Alpha Zeta family a little over two months ago after being paired with AZ THON as our Four Diamonds Family. Chase, 4, was diagnosed with Burkett’s Lymphoma on October 28 and has been blessed to finish what we hope to be his last chemo treatment during the start of the new year. Tyler has been staying at home with the boys while Chase recovers and Emily works for a dental supplies company.
Seven brothers and sisters of Alpha Zeta visited the Kemberling family for the first time on December 23, and we could not have imagined a better experience. When we first arrived, the boys weren’t very excited to see us, a bit timid around a group of new faces. Chase was hiding behind his mom, while Travis stayed locked away in his room. After a little bribery and a little sweet talking, the boys warmed up quickly. We spent the day playing with the gifts that Santa had dropped off early and getting to know the family a bit better.
2013 was a monumental year for Alpha Zeta’s efforts in THON, and the brotherhood is extremely excited to see what 2014 has in store. THON weekend is scheduled for February 21-23, hosted at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Kemberling family will be present for the entirety of the weekend.
Remember that you can donate to THON in Alpha Zeta’s name online: http://thon.org/Donate. Click to support the THON organization of your choice and select “Alpha Zeta” underneath the “Greek” section.
Photo (from left to right): Back row – Colt Hoffman holding Travis Kemberling; Jillian Gordon; Taylor Young; Casey Curry. Front row – Joel Smith, holding Chase Kemberling; Alli Hartman and Meagan Slates. Photo courtesy of Taylor Young.
By Sister Jillian Gordon