Kailyn Christine Rhea's strength, determination and generosity while battling cancer was a source of inspiration for family and friends.

In July 2004, Kailyn was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of muscles in children. Shortly after she was diagnosed, the 11 year old started collecting hats for cancer patients who had lost their hair during chemotherapy.

In the same year, Kailyn decided to start the Kailyn Rhea Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research and to help other children with the disease.

Karen Rhea said her daughter wrote an essay in which she said if she hadn't had cancer, she would not have been able to help other children.

Kailyn passed Thursday July 12, 2007 in her Arlington Heights home. She had just finalized plans for a second annual golf outing she and her family host to raise money for pediatric cancer research.