A lasting legacy: Kids on Carousels Foundation to host first fundraising event

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Just over a year ago, Kathy Millroy of Leland lost her 31-year-old son Sean to rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that typical develops in young children. Kathy describes Sean as an avid musician who always knew how to bring joy to the people around him.

“Sean was very charismatic,” she said. “He was songwriter and a musician. He was kind of the life of the house. He was always entertaining, and always creating conversation. He loved music obviously, he loved food. He was very energetic, a little bit clumsy, but just a really bright light.”  

Kathy said throughout his treatments, and after four remissions, Sean continued to fight until the end; always looking for a cure. Last August, Kathy began a foundation—Kids on Carousels—dedicated to supporting families who are battling childhood cancer.  

“I decided after he passed away that I obviously can’t just do nothing, I’m a person of action, and I wanted to create something beautiful out of something difficult and turn the pain a grief into a purpose,” she said. 

In addition to starting a foundation, Kathy also wrote a children’s book, “Kids on Carousels” about a young boy with cancer and his difficult journey.   

“I wanted children with cancer to see themselves in a story, and they don’t. Cancer is a really difficult and uncomfortable topic for most people, and I wanted to break down that boundary, open a conversation,” she said. 

Kathy said her way of carrying on Sean’s legacy is through the foundation.  

“Any way I can help any family with a child with cancer, that’s what I’m going to do,” she said. 

The foundation’s first ever fundraising event will be held at End of Days Distillery at 1815 Castle Street in Wilmington on May 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.

You can also stay up to date on upcoming events by following @kidsoncarousels on Instagram.