Susan Baird is a beautiful, bright, talented young lady who attended fourth grade at Chatham Elementary school. She loves cats, dogs, music, singing, dancing, softball, volleyball, telling jokes, shopping and hanging out with her friends. She is also a very talented artist who loves to draw and dreams of one day becoming a dress designer.
Recently, Susan was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. As Susan begins the difficult task of recovering from this type of cancer, she will have to have multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. As Susan begins this fight, she is inspiring so many with her fighting spirit, sense of humor and strength. So many were inspired, in fact, that a team has been assembling in her honor.
Susan’s family, friends, teachers, neighbors and people who do not know her personally but have been touched by her story are praying, sending encouragement, organizing fundraising events, wearing T-shirts in her honor and more. The community is eagerly supporting Susan, her Mother Jennifer, her Father, William (Trevor) and her brother Will - who is also inspiring people with his amazing support of his sister. (Go Will!)
During this very difficult recovery process, the family will be experiencing financial hardships due to mounting medical and living expenses. Many events are being planned to raise funds to assist with these expenses. Shirts and bracelets in support of Susan are also being sold with proceeds going to Susan’s family. You can also donate at the links posted on this website.
Your prayers, thoughts, encouragement, donations and support make you a very important part of Team Susan. Join us in the fight today as we win this challenge and celebrate the many small victories along the way!
Go Team Susan!
Susan Denise Baird, “Sweet Potato”, 10 years old of Chatham, IL, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at St. John’s Hospital Carol Jo Vecchie Women and Children’s Center surrounded by her loved ones. Susan was born to William Trevor Baird and Jennifer Ketchum Baird on July 22, 2003. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Robert G. Bowen and great-grandmother Patricia E. Kilby. She leaves to cherish her memory: father William Trevor Baird, mother Jennifer Ketchum Baird (companion Ken Duffy), brother William Baird, grandparents Terry and Marla Baird of Chatham, IL, Frank and Susan Kilby of Divernon, IL, great-grandparents William and Roma Baird and Kenneth Hudson, all of Shelbyville, IL, Frank Kilby Sr., of Loami, IL, aunt Melissa Bowen, uncle Jason Bowen both of Springfield, IL, godparents Kyle Hudson of Shelbyville, IL, Kimberly Jacobs Harmony of Springfield, IL, and several great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins.
Susan was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham, IL. She enjoyed dancing since she was a little girl and was a part of Jan’s Dance Studio in Chatham, participating in several disciplines. She was a natural tip-toed walker, so dancing came naturally. Susan also loved to play sports. She loved to draw and dreamt of one day becoming a dress designer. Whatever it was she tried, Susan put her heart into it. Above all else, Susan was a very loving and funny child. She consoled the hearts of many, from the very young to the old. She had a heart that loved purely and tried to make everyone smile.
The family would like to thank the community of Chatham and surrounding areas for their compassion, love and generosity. We want to thank Pastor Clarence Rogers for all of the time and support he has given our family during this time. We would also like to thank all of the doctors and staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Children’s Hospital for their wonderful care - especially Dr. Greg Brandt and Dr. Dan Niebrugge and their staff for going above and beyond for our sweet daughter.
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Susan Denise Baird
"Love Rocks Awesomely"
