5 minute read
Kischa Howard - Kham's House
Kischa Howard
Kham's House
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Kischa Howard
More than anything, Kischa Howard is determined to keep the memory of her son, Khamron Dawson, alive. In 2019, Khamron was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma Cancer, and in 2022, he died at the young age of 20. Osteosarcoma Cancer is a bone cancer and is labeled as a childhood cancer. Having to care for her son while he battled cancer was understandably a blow that Kischa hadn’t prepared for. “I have faced many challenges in life. To watch my baby boy go through the pain of cancer and die before my eyes has been by far the hardest thing I have ever experienced,” she says.
During the time that Khamron battled cancer, the world was shut down due to COVID-19, and it made it difficult for Kischa to assist Khamron with care, mainly because he was deemed an adult at age 18. “I worked as a cosmetologist and a part-time life insurance agent. Things were a little difficult for me, but with the love and support of her family and community, we made it work. My family, friends, organizations, and cubs pulled together financial resources to allow me to stay with my son at M.D. Anderson hospital as he received his first chemotherapy treatment. On Jan 2, 2022, Khamron passed away. It was then that I decided to give back in the same way that others had given to our family.”
In response to Khamron’s passing, Kischa started a 501C3 nonprofit organization called Kham’s House. The goal of Kham’s House is to reduce the financial strain on families who have loved ones navigating the journey of cancer and disease that require treatment through short-term lodging, hotel vouchers, food and travel expenses, and fertility clinic storage fees. They also have comfort care packages and partner with mental health professionals to provide social and mental health services.
Born in New Orleans, LA, Kischa moved her five children to Dallas, TX, after Hurricane Katrina ravished New Orleans in 2006. They also only brought three clothing outfits each. Looking forward to life in Dallas, Kischa decided to pursue higher education in 2015 to obtain my B.A. in Social Work. She started by studying at a community college and completed her studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Kischa completed her Master’s Degree studies in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018. While pursuing higher education, Kischa’s primary income came from working as a licensed cosmetologist.
Kischa shares that she finds inspiration in the strength that Khamron displayed during his cancer journey. “Khamron didn’t complain about what he was going through. Even in intense pain, his spirit was as strong as that of a lion. The day he died, the last thing he said was to his oldest sister, asking her if he did good. Her reply to him was that he did. He was always concerned about pleasing others and giving them grace even when they manipulated him,” Kischa says.
Since Khamron’s passing, Kischa has received grief therapy and grief coaching. Both, she shares, have enabled her to move into the space of actually working with her nonprofit. “Being an Executive Director for a nonprofit is new to me and can be overwhelming. I have a heart to give and do the work, but I need a team to share the responsibilities. I am challenged to obtain supporters as I try to serve any individual between the ages of 15-29 who are receiving cancer treatment or treatment for any disease,” she says.
Finding locations near a hospital to house their clients has also been challenging for Kham’s House. Kischa says, “Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward. Days before my son died, he grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said momma, move forward.”
Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward.
Kischa Howard
Currently, Kischa is seeking assistance through a United Way Incubator program, which will allow her to gain business mentors and advisors. Her hope, she says, is to gain some insight through others who are stronger in this space than she is. She also plans to provide lodging units across the United States in every major city where comprehensive cancer treatment facilities are located or a Ronald McDonald House is available. “We would like to have our first location in Dallas and another in Houston, TX. Our goal is to increase the community knowledge and awareness of childhood cancers, specifically osteosarcoma, and the effects on the AYA Adolescent and young adult population.,” she says.
To learn more about Kham’s House, please visit their website.
www.khamshouse.org
