(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Girl described as one tough cookie, receives hero’s welcome

May 20, 2020 | 6:39 AM

Seven weeks have passed since five-year-old Kendrah was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but the expression on her face Tuesday night showed no signs of the long road she has travelled.

The young girl smiled and waved as dozens of vehicles passed by her home, honking and showing various signs of support for her. Confetti exploded from one vehicle, and another was filled with helium balloons.

“Wow,” Kendrah said aloud. “Is that all for me?”

“That’s for you baby girl,” her grandfather Corey Ferchoff replied.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Kendrah has undergone eight surgeries since March 29th, the day she was found at a residence on MacArthur Drive and soon after rushed to hospital in Edmonton in critical condition. Kendrah’s older brother Bentlee and grandparents were located at the same property but were pronounced deceased. Less than a week later, Kendrah’s father Nathaniel Carrier was arrested and charged with three counts of first degree murder, and one count of attempted murder.

The parade on Tuesday night was organized to help celebrate the girl who has become known as one tough cookie, and mark the one glimmer of light that has emerged from an otherwise sad and tragic story. Mother Heather-Lynn Sumners returned home with Kendrah and expressed her gratitude for the support.

“I am more than grateful for everything,” she said. “I am very overwhelmed and so is Kendrah.”

Summers acknowledged her son Bentlee’s absence, but added she felt he was there in spirit.

“It really is a pleasant relief coming home and being able to relax is more than I can ask for,” she said.

Cst. Michael Norrie with the Prince Albert Police Service was among the first responders who showed up at the property on March 29, and Tuesday night was on the receiving end of a warm hug from young Kendrah.

“It’s just an overwhelming feeling, its hard to even describe it. It’s just a miracle that she is alive,” he said.

Norrie acknowledged that incidents like the one involving Kendrah’s family take a toll on all the men and women who help protect and serve the community.

“It just feels so good to see everyone is doing well now and it was nice that the community put on a big parade for her,” he said. “Seeing her smile and happy makes you feel so good.”

Cst. Michael Norrie with Kendrah. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The parade Tuesday was organized by Kendrah’s grandfather Corey Ferchoff as well as cousin Lisa Bonik. Bonik, who had advertised the event on Facebook, said she was taken aback by the turnout, and added there was no thank you needed.

“Just driving by watching her was enough,” she said.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Moments after the parade ended, Kendrah climbed down from the table she had been standing on and went back to doing what young girls her age like doing best, playing on her swing set.

Kendrah stands proudly with her grandfather, waiting for the parade to start. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Further serious challenges still lie ahead for Kendrah’s family. Nathaniel Carrier remains in custody, and has a pending court date on June 4.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell