In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma welcomed Leanne and Addi Masten as special guests at their September meeting. The mother-daughter duo shared their powerful story of courage, faith, and perseverance—and how Addi’s Journey and their “Let’s Go Be Brave” project are bringing hope and comfort to children facing the same battle Addi once fought.
Addi’s journey begins
At just two years old, Addi was diagnosed with cancer—a diagnosis that forever changed her family’s world. For seven long years, she endured countless treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, and the emotional toll of every scan and setback. Now, at nine years old, Addi stands as a survivor and a shining symbol of resilience and hope.
During the meeting, Leanne spoke candidly about the difficult truths surrounding childhood cancer, reminding members that behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a story of heartbreak and faith.
“More than 15,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year,” Leaanne shared. “Cancer remains the number one disease-related cause of death in American children. Every three minutes, somewhere in the world, a family hears those devastating words: ‘Your child has cancer.’”
A mission is born
Addi captivated the group as she shared parts of her own journey, including how she uses an FM transmitter in her classroom that connects to her hearing aids, helping her hear her teacher more clearly—a small but powerful reminder of how resilience continues even after the hardest chapters. She continues to inspire others as an amazing Childhood Cancer Survivor Ambassador.
Motivated by their experience, Leanne and Addi have co-authored three books together to raise awareness and encourage other families facing similar challenges. Their “Let’s Go Be Brave” initiative grew from that same spirit of compassion and hope. Through this project, the Mastens donate books and teddy bears to children in hospitals, offering encouragement and comfort during difficult times.
Supporting the mission
To support their mission, the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma presented a $500 donation to the Let’s Go Be Brave project.
Delta Kappa Gamma is an international honorary organization for women educators, committed to promoting professional and personal growth and advancing excellence in education. The Alpha Gamma Chapter includes members from Commerce City, Banks, Jackson, Habersham, and Stephens counties.
As members listened to Addi’s story, one message resonated deeply: even in life’s fiercest storms, faith, love, and bravery can light the way
