(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Five-year-old Capri Kniece from Colorado Springs, a cancer survivor, is now an advocate for St. Jude and an ambassador for Signet Jewelers, helping raise funds for pediatric cancer research.
Capri was diagnosed with a rare cancer at just nine months old and has been cancer-free for three years after receiving treatment at St. Jude’s in Memphis. Her journey has inspired a campaign by Signet, a national jewelry company, aiming to raise ten million dollars for cancer research.
“It was very, very challenging to say the least, because you watch what was in a happy, healthy baby just wither away,” said her dad, Chandler Kines.
Capri’s diagnosis was a rare one, with odds of one in ten million, and she spent the first two years of her life in the hospital. Her parents were initially shocked by the diagnosis, as they couldn’t believe their nine-month-old had cancer.
“It’s either a 95% survival rate or a less than 10% survival rate, and once it goes to stage four, that’s bad. So we were scared to death, went back to St Jude, and they said, “Yeah, it’s back, it’s in her lungs,” said Kines.
Despite the challenges, Capri’s spirit remained unbroken. Her playful nature was evident as she would hide in closets, playing tricks on doctors and nurses, even while tethered to medical equipment.
“You would always know where she was because she was tethered like tubes, you’d be like ‘Where is Capri,’ and you hear ‘Hehe’ inside the laundry bin,” said Kines.
Capri’s role as an ambassador for Signet has been impactful, with the company attributing its fundraising success to what they call the ‘Capri effect.’ She has even named stuffed animals sold in Signet’s stores, with one named after her.
Capri’s story is not just about survival but also about giving back. Her involvement with Signet and St. Jude highlights her commitment to helping other children battling cancer.
Capri’s journey from a rare cancer diagnosis to becoming an advocate and ambassador is a testament to her resilience and impact, inspiring significant contributions to pediatric cancer research.
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