The Keisha Worthington-Martinez Foundation was founded in 2012,

in memory of our beloved Keisha.

In 2005 while attending her first year of college at Central State University, she became ill. After many tests, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ALL. The news was devastating, requiring many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. A bone marrow donor was matched, and in 2007, Keisha received a bone marrow transplant. She was featured on the NBC Nightly News with Katie Couric, documenting her surgery and the hopeful outcome for a cure.

 
While enduring treatment, Keisha continued to pursue her education. She attended Richard J. Daley College in Chicago. With the assistance of the school’s department for students with disabilities, Keisha finished with her associate degree in Sociology and was accepted, with a full scholarship to Roosevelt University, Chicago.

There were times, as her lungs began to fail, she attended classes with a portable oxygen tank.  Although a struggle, she finished with a degree in Sociology in 2010. She was also accepted into the University of Chicago graduate school for Social Work. She received a full scholarship from The University of Chicago but was unable to attend. Keisha also married the love of her life, Rodrigo Martinez, in a beautiful ceremony

in September of 2010.

In 2012, Keisha’s 7-year battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ended. Today we carry on her legacy through the Keisha Worthington-Martinez Foundation. The foundation was created to bring awareness to this devasting disease, Leukemia. Also, The KWM Foundation makes financial contributions to students with the same passion for education that Keisha demonstrated throughout her life. In her memory the foundation also:

* Has been a participant in the Be The Match drive, signing participates up

   as bone marrow donors.

* Sponsored a team annually in the Light The Night Walk for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, raising funds         and walking as TEAM KEISHA.

* Distributed scholarships to at need students with a passion for education and a resume including volunteer       activities in their local communities.

* Conducted supply drives annually for Ronald McDonald House.

The KWM Foundation will carry on with a commitment to service and stewardship. Keisha’s passion will continue to be the catalyst to move us forward in years to come.