Young Cancer Patient Supported by Remarkable Teacher
May 22, 2026
Seven-year-old Khalani Jennings, diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, found unwavering support from a dedicated teacher who ensured she was not alone in her fight.
Throughout Khalani’s surgeries and extensive chemotherapy, her music teacher played a pivotal role by showing her that her school community was with her every step of the way.
Dominee and Khalani / Credit: WTVR CBS 6
Living in Blackstone, Virginia, Khalani was diagnosed last fall with embryonal sarcoma following the discovery of a 20-pound tumor on her liver. Her treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU kept her away from her peers for a large portion of the school year.
Despite the distance, music teacher Dominee Kaiser made certain Khalani remained a part of her school community.
“I knew right away that I wanted to be able to support her as her music teacher, in whatever capacity that I could,” Kaiser revealed upon hearing of Khalani’s condition.
Maintaining close communication with Khalani’s family, Kaiser organized care packages and traveled to Richmond to visit her student. She also facilitated Khalani’s connection with her classmates during her extended absences.
LaToya Jennings, Khalani’s mother, expressed profound gratitude for these gestures.
“When she reached out to me and was like, ‘I want to include her,’ it made me feel like we weren’t alone,” LaToya shared. “That people were thinking of us and praying for us.”
Kaiser’s recent actions left a lasting impression on the Jennings family.
To amplify the community’s support, Kaiser, along with Blackstone Primary School students, dedicated their spring concert to Khalani. During the event, students performed “Rise Up” by Andra Day as a heartfelt tribute to their courageous classmate.
Joined virtually, Khalani participated by waving a scarf to the music, symbolically bonding with her classmates.
Kaiser emphasized the significance of inclusion in teaching.
“If I were in her shoes, I would want to be included, and I would want to know that my school still cares about me,” she stated.
This month marked a significant milestone for Khalani as she rang the bell, signifying the end of her cancer treatment. Although she remains at home for now due to her immune system, anticipation builds for her return to school in the fall.
As she prepares to rejoin her peers, Khalani carries with her the knowledge that even during her toughest battle, her teacher was steadfast in her support.
