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She also must limit her activity and be careful not to fall or be injured.
The condition is very rare and doctors don't know a lot about it.
Doctors tell Kennedy's parents, Jim and Lynn, that it can go away as quickly as it came, or it could be incurable. It's different in everyone who has it.
It's the first time the St. Clair Jaycees have ever sponsored a single person with an event.
"It is a great feeling knowing that we are personally helping someone in our community," said Stephanie Smith, St. Clair Jaycees. "We have wanted to do this before, but by the time we learned of people who needed help they already had their own fundraisers going."
Smith said it wasn't difficult to choose Kennedy as a recipient. She added that it's a good opportunity to educate the public on the girl's condition.
"After learning what this little girl is going through at the age of 3 and the side effects it has on her, her family and her siblings as a whole, we knew instantly that this was an opportunity for us to help a local family. That's why we are all a part of this organization and do the things we do," Smith said.
Smith added that it feels good to help a family during such a rough stage in their lives.
"When I called Lynn to tell her we would like to donate some of the proceeds from our upcoming Chili cook-off to her family she was very grateful," Smith said. "She said, 'Oh my gosh! I am so excited now.' I could totally hear her tone change and I'm glad it gives them something to look forward to."
Smith said the Jaycees would like to raise $1,000 to go toward medical expenses and weekly doctor visits.
Awards for the event include top three awards for best chili and awards for mayor's business/non-profit challenge and best booth theme with costumes.
Early registration for this year's event is due by Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The cost is $20 per contestant and an additional $10 if electricity is needed and $5 if the contestant needs a table.
Registration after Sept. 30 is $30. The cost of electricity and a table remains the same.
Smith said the entry fee was reduced by $5 this year to make the event easier on local pocketbooks.
She added that admission will also be lowered by $1.
Also, Country Fresh grocery store donated five $10 gift certificates that will be given out to the first five registered contestants to help pay for their ingredients.
Checks can be mailed and made payable to: St. Clair Jaycees, P.O. Box 343, St. Clair, MO 63077.
A list of rules and regulations is also available.
For more information, call 636-79505488.
Theme Ideas Wanted
A theme has yet to be chosen for this year's chili cook-off.
Smith said she's looking for family-friendly ideas.
If someone in the public comes up with an idea that is used, Smith said they will receive four free admission passes to the cook-off.
Ideas can be e-mailed to bjels@sbcglobal.net or mailed to St. Clair Jaycees, P.O. Box 343, St. Clair, MO, 63077.
Keeping Up With Kennedy
A Web site has been set up following Kennedy's day-by-day progress as she receives treatment for her condition.
There are also photos and background stories of her experiences.
Visit the site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/kennedyfaith.
