Latest news with #PayIt4Ward
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Yukon girl proves you can be a hero at any age
YUKON, Okla. (KFOR) – A little girl from Yukon is proving you can be a hero at any age after the 7-year-old saved her neighbor's house from burning to the ground. 'I saw dark clouds moving fast in the sky,' said first-grader Kynlee Dewitt. 'It was really dark out, and it was stormy.' Early May storms created a dance of lightning in the sky above Kynlee's home in Yukon. 'I heard a big, loud – like thunder, basically, and I thought it hit our backyard, so I was checking. But then, I looked up at that house and I saw the smoke,' Kynlee said. Ridgeview teacher brings safari to young students for state testing A lightning strike had taken direct aim at her neighbor's house. Kynlee ran to get her mother, Amanda, who called 911. 'My mom tells me, 'If you see something, say something.'' And it's a good thing she did! Her neighbors were not home, so had Kynlee not said something, flames could have spread to the entire house. But what is spreading—is word around town. Edmond teacher transforms lives, inspires at-risk students When Amanda's friend, Carla Vickers, heard the news, she nominated Kynlee for a $400 Pay It 4Ward award. 'I'm just proud of her because she's seven,' Carla said. 'I just think it's very brave of her, and she's such a sweet, kind little girl that I just feel like she deserves to be recognized.' First Fidelity Bank Senior Branch Manager Bobby Burger tagged along with our news crew to present the $400 to Kynlee. 'So, Kynlee, on behalf of First Fidelity Bank, I'm happy to give you $400,' Bobby said as he handed over what might seem like a fortune to any child. 'Thank you,' Kynlee said, surprised. News 4's Heather Holeman asked, 'What do you think of that?' 'Good,' she said. 'Have you ever had $400 before?' Heather asked. 'No,' she replied. 'What are you going to do with all your money now?' Heather asked. Kynlee instantly knew the answer. 'Save it,' she said. 'You did a great thing,' Heather told her. 'Thank you for being a great Oklahoman!' And with a big smile on her face, complete with a dimple, Kynlee replied, 'You're welcome!' Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Del-City High School teacher's name reflects impact on her students
DEL CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — Step inside Mrs. Angel Kerr's freshman English class — a cozy place that even former students continue to stop and revisit. 'And now I visit her during passing period sometimes,' MacKenzie Andersen said. 'She's just really energetic, outgoing, amazing woman.' Andersen is now a sophomore at Del City High School, but she knew of Mrs. Kerr's kindness long before she knew Mrs. Kerr. 'It's very touching, honestly. It feels amazing having someone in our corner like that, especially as a teenage girl,' Andersen said. For fifth through 12th graders within the Mid-Del School District, Mrs. Kerr has headed up the Sisterhood Project, providing sanitary products to female students free of charge and free of judgment. 'Some people can't afford them, or they can't have anyone who can get them for them,' Andersen said. PAY IT 4WARD: A special honor for a special education paraprofessional That is why she nominated Mrs. Kerr for Pay It 4Ward. 'We love recognizing people making a difference in the Midwest City and Del City area, and I think Mrs. Kerr is a perfect example of what Pay It 4Ward is all about,' Alyssa Sunday of First Fidelity Bank said. 'I would like to present you, on behalf of First Fidelity Bank, $400 to pay it forward.' 'You must be Mrs. Kerr. I'm Joleen with News 4, and you were nominated for Pay It 4Ward by one of your former students, and she has something for you.' 'It's $400,' Andersen said. Immediate tears. 'I love you, too,' Kerr said. 'Thank you.' Followed by immediate laughter. 'This was good,' Kerr said. 'We noticed that we have some kids who would miss school. 'Hey, where have you been?' I didn't have money for products, or I had an accident at school, and nobody wants to feel like that.' To Kerr, it seemed like an easy fix — supply them for everyone. 'We started trying to figure out how to come up with a way to reach as many people as possible in the least restrictive way,' she said. 'We want you in class. We want you to learn.' And students have learned much more. 'Since we started doing the program here, we changed the culture around it. Girls weren't trying to hide stuff,' Kerr said. In a classroom full of high school freshmen talking about what once may have been taboo, there was not one giggle. 'Here we're empowering these girls to be future women and these guys to be dads, and uncles, and friends that'll just go, 'Oh, yeah. It's just natural. It's completely normal,' which has been phenomenal,' Kerr said. 'I've got a whole basket and stuff just outside my door.' Donations are provided by individuals, and dispensers are inside every restroom and funded through the Mid-Del Public Schools Foundation. 'Crazy amazing support,' Kerr said. 'I love you so big.' Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Devoted caretaker praised by family of girl with rare disease
MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) – Imagine the joy of holding your newborn for the first time, only to hear doctors say your baby would live to the age of two. That's what the parents of a baby in Moore were devastated to hear when their little girl was born with a rare disease. But, this little girl far surpassed two—in fact, she's about to celebrate her 16th birthday. And her family credits her long-term caretaker, Rhonda Monks, for lengthening her life. 'She's smart. She knew the capitols of every state,' said her proud grandpa, Davy Russell. Arianna Wilson Russell was born with SMA, or spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disease that leads to breathing and swallowing difficulties. Pay It 4Ward: A faithful Norman tax preparer works for free 'She's a fighter, a tough little gal. So proud of her. It's hard. She means the world to me,' Davy said with tears in his eyes. Arianna can talk, and these are the words Davy loves most to hear: ''I love you, Grandpa.'' But much of Arianna's communication is done with her eyes. The sophomore uses an Eyegaze system to complete school work, attend doctor visits, and speech therapy—and she even edits videos for her YouTube channel! Standing by her side, where you'll often find her, Rhonda said, 'She emails her friends and she has a special friend.' 'We're more than just friends,' replied Alyssa. Rhonda has cared for Arianna for nearly 10 years, and plans to stay as long as she's needed. Rhonda's care is the reason Arianna's father, Gerald Russell, believes his daughter has blown her estimated life expectancy out of the water. 'Can't say enough about her. Can never be replaced. She's family,' Gerald said of Rhonda. To truly understand the depth of their gratitude, you must also understand the depth of their grief. Arianna had an older sister also diagnosed with SMA. Cadence lived for just three months. 'Lost her Christmas Day,' Davy said, 'Probably one of the saddest days of my life.' But because Cadence's younger sister is thriving, Davy nominated Rhonda for a surprise Pay It 4Ward award from First Fidelity Bank. 'I've walked some of the same path': Counselor guides Bethany man to the road of success 'We are so thankful for people like Rhonda and the care that they put into everything they do, especially with kids of all kinds of needs. So, we are very excited to present $400 for her today,' said First Fidelity Bank Representative Caitlin Melgar. As Davy handed the money to Rhonda, he said, 'Letting you know how much I appreciate you. You're awesome. Arianna loves you to death. The family loves you to death. You mean the world to us.' 'Is it okay if I hug you?' Rhonda asked. With arms outstretched, Davy replied, 'Yes, ma'am.' 'She is such a blessing, and I'm honored to be able to be her caregiver,' Rhonda said of Arianna. 'She's such a fun kid, and she makes my life better. She's grown a lot in her attitude, mind, body, spirit. We got to teach her how to read. And she's taught us as much or more as we've taught her.' 'Does your head need to come up?' Rhonda asked Arianna. 'A little bit, thank you,' she said. 'You're welcome. Arianna has very good manners, she's very kind,' Rhonda said. 'The doctors are all surprised,' Gerald said. 'All of them keep saying to just keep doing what she's doing. There's no end in sight now, the girl's gonna keep going – and it's something pretty magical.' A magical journey for all who know Arianna, now about to celebrate her Sweet 16th, as she continues to shatter the odds. 'I am brave,' Arianna said proudly. Yes, she truly is. Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Her heart is just so big': Compassionate Guthrie woman dedicated to her community
GUTHRIE, Okla. (KFOR) — If you wander around the quaint downtown streets of Guthrie, you will most likely come across tiny shops on a corner. 'Salt of the earth. She is always thinking of others,' Chelsea Richardson said. 'She has a little shop down at our little shops here in Guthrie.' However, Nikki Kesler is known for much more than the sweet treats she sells inside her tiny business. 'Out in the front of it she has a little closet for the homeless with coats and mittens, and scarves to keep them warm,' Richardson said. 'If she runs out of coats, she goes and from her own pocket buys coats for people.' Shawnee Senior Care worker is a beacon for community spirit Inside, she offers homemade chocolates and trinkets and gives away free books to anyone who wants one. She works to not only clothe but to feed the community, as well. 'She also donates every Saturday to lunch on Noble to help people in need. That is free meals on Saturdays that the community gives,' Richardson said. 'She is always thinking of others.' Kesler's generosity is well-known around town. 'She does a lot of stuff just out of her heart with the coats, and she volunteers,' John Pagonis said. 'Anybody who needs help, she's there. We just love her to death.' 'Her heart is just so big. She's just such an element of this community,' Heidi Mallow said. 'I'm so excited that she got this. She's so deserving.' Deserving of Pay It 4Ward. Richardson nominated her. 'We love recognizing people making a difference, and Nikki represents exactly what pay it forward is all about,' said Sanjuana Valdez, of First Fidelity Bank. 'On behalf of First Fidelity Bank, thank you for nominating Nikki and recognizing the great work they have done. It is our pleasure to give you $400 so you can pay it forward.' While word has spread quickly, it has not reached Kesler—yet. 'She thinks that my husband is picking up an order from her for me,' said Richardson. Until now. 'You must be Nikki,' said News 4's Joleen Chaney. 'I'm Nikki,' she replied. 'Nikki, I'm Joleen with News 4. We have a program called Pay It 4ward, and Chelsea nominated you, and she's got something for you,' said Joleen. 'Four hundred dollars,' said Richardson, as she handed Nikki the award money. 'Thank you. Thank you so much,' replied Kesler. 'You're welcome. You deserve it,' said Richardson. Kesler serves a great need, no matter the population, with the most genuine compassion. 'Just seeing the items that come in and go out, we've had a lot of the community being helped, and it's really awesome to see,' she said. 'Because it feels good. It feels so good to see people just happy, and our community needs it.' Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nurse who lost her baby makes priceless mementos for other parents of ‘angel babies'
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Six years have now passed since an Oklahoma family was forever changed. Liam Farrar was not quite six months old when his parents dropped him off at daycare—never to see him alive again. Shaken baby syndrome stole Liam's life. 'Kelly's Kids' daycare was shut down, and the owner is now serving life in prison for Liam's death. Losing a child is a devastation unlike any other in life, but it is what Liam's mother, Alyssa, has been doing for other grieving parents since her son's death, that has earned her a Pay It 4Ward award. One of those parents is Shelby Nottingham. 'Braxton was actually my miracle baby. I was told at a young age that I was infertile and couldn't carry children naturally.' Shelby turned to In Vitro Fertilization, and with just one viable egg, she carried baby Braxton for 25 weeks. At 5:33 p.m. on February 17, 2025, time stopped. 'It was the most love I'd ever felt in my life,' Shelby said of holding her son. 'I became preeclamptic and it got to the point that Braxton wasn't growing anymore, and it was doing more damage to my body. So, we went in for an emergency C-section. Braxton did not make it out of the OR room. He was too small and they were unable to intubate him. And then the wonderful staff up here made all kinds of memorabilia for me so that I could always have him with me.' Nurses at Mercy Hospital's Love Family Women's Center in Oklahoma City packed a bereavement box full of priceless, handmade mementos, a lock of his hair, the tiny hat he wore in the hospital, along with several beautiful photos of Braxton. Shelby will forever cherish every single item generously made in memory of Braxton, especially several molds of his little hands and feet, handmade by Alyssa, a nurse at the hospital. The molds are incredibly detailed, down to his tiny fingernails. 'He's got super long fingers just like me,' Shelby said. Alyssa, too, has her own set of molds. She shares the crushing heartache that Shelby feels. After losing Liam in 2019, she says the pain never goes away, but gets more tolerable as each year passes. 'He was five-months and 28 days,' Alyssa said, as tears filled her eyes. 'He was at the age where his personality was really starting to come out. Interact with sister, and giggle, and grin, and happy. I'll never forget the call. I'll never forget spending the six days in the PICU. I'll never forget having to make the decision to withdraw care for my child.' Another nurse made Liam's molds for Alyssa then, just as she now does for other parents of angel babies in her care at Mercy. 'These are priceless,' she said of Liam's molds. 'I joke that if my house is going to be hit by a tornado or burn down, I don't care about anything in my house except those. Those are the first things in the storm shelter, they are the first thing we pack, along with a couple of his sleepers and his blanket.' News 4 spoke separately to Alyssa, who was unaware that her former patient, Shelby, was waiting in the next room, ready to surprise her. Alyssa's selflessness—coming in on her day off to make Braxton's molds—meant so much to Shelby that she nominated Alyssa for the award just one week after holding her son for the last time. 'I feel like Alyssa is an angel on Earth for being able to not only take on her pain, but the pain of others that she's helping with this stuff,' said Shelby. 'Alyssa's found a way to take her experience and provide something that you can cherish forever and other families can cherish forever. So, on behalf of First Fidelity Bank, I'd like to give you $400 so you can pay it forward,' agreed Amy Mauk, representative with First Fidelity Bank. 'Thank you so much,' Shelby said, as she accepted the cash. Alyssa thought our News 4 crew was there for a story on the molds that she so graciously makes for patients, on a day which just so happened to be the sixth anniversary of Liam's passing. However, while interviewing Alyssa, News 4's Heather Holeman then paused and asked Shelby to come out of the next room. 'We're really here for a surprise from someone who received these molds, and she's nominated you for a Pay It 4Ward award. Shelby, if you could come out. She has a gift for you,' Heather said. The two mothers, who each live with a pain that no parent ever wants to endure, then hugged as the tears flowed. 'I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, but thank you,' whispered Alyssa. Shelby replied, 'You don't know what these mean to me.' 'I kinda do, a little bit,' Alyssa said while wiping away her tears. Former gang member mentors kids with free boxing lessons Shelby said, 'I know that you put a lot of your own time and money into this, and I can't stop looking at the pictures because they're so beautiful, and the molds. And it means so much to me, and I just wanted to make sure that you know that it's more than just a gift. It's a forever thing.' 'It is. Well, thank you. I appreciate it,' Alyssa said. 'Look at the size difference. He was so tiny,' the mothers said as they compared their babies' molds. Two mothers —with one shared journey to healing. 'It means an insane amount to me and my family,' Shelby said again. 'You're very welcome,' Alyssa said smiling. Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
