KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 7, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy High School graduate, Kamryn Sanamo lost her battle to brain cancer on Thursday. Since her diagnosis in 2021 the Katy community has rallied around her and her family. A public memorial service is scheduled for Sunday.
Kamryn Sanamo. Photo courtesy Dusty Sanamo.
Memorial Service Scheduled for Sunday
2019 Katy High School graduate, Kamryn Sanamo (21) lost her battle to brain cancer on Thursday. Her family thanks the Katy community for their continued prayers and support. Those wishing to pay their respects to Kamryn, who has touched many throughout her life, are invited to a memorial service set for Sunday, January 8, 2023.
Kamryn would have turned 22 years old on February 16.
A memorial service will be held this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at Katy Community Fellowship (24102 Kingsland Boulevard.
Her family requests that if possible, those attending to wear any shade of Kamryn’s favorite color blue.
Kamryn was diagnosed with a brain tumor on July 9, 2021. The following month a biopsy confirmed that the tumor was cancerous specifically a grade 4 diffuse infiltrating glioma.
While considered inoperable, Kamryn always remained positive and her attitude inspired many. As her condition worsened in recent weeks, hundreds showed up for a prayer vigil in Downtown Katy the day after Christmas.
In a Katy Magazine interview Kamryn shared her feelings on the community support that she received.
“My family and I never could have anticipated the love and support we have received from day one,” said Kamryn Sanamo. “Katy has ensured I know I am not fighting alone.”
Both Kamryn and her mother, Dusty Sanamo kept her followers updated through her Caring Bridge site.
“Don’t think this caring bridge page is over,” her mother wrote yesterday. “I hope you continue to follow Kamryn’s story. I have received many Godwinks and want to share them with you…. Once things settle down a little.”
From Katy High to Rice University
Kamryn Sanamo graduated from Katy High School in 2019 with a 4.7458 GPA and third in the class. She was accepted on a full ride to Rice University and earned the prestigious Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP,) which means she is guaranteed acceptance into any Texas medical school.
Kamryn wanted to go into the field of pediatric surgery because of her personal journey of having surgery as a child.
“People that know Kamryn know she has not been dealt the best hand in life; however, she has always been the most determined, motivated and focused individual I know,” said her mom, Dusty Sanamo in a previous interview with Katy Magazine. “Those attributes remained the same, even after a brain cancer diagnosis at only 20 years old.”
Anyone who met her remarked on her positive outlook and how it drove her to help others.
"Her attitude and actions, at least what the public saw, was so inspiring," says Bill Lacy, who met her when he was serving on the Katy ISD school board. " She had a positive, going to fight this and live my life attitude."
When Lacy was diagnosed with cancer, Kamryn served as his inspiration.
"I was able to visit and tell her how much of an inspiration she was to me a while back," says Lacy. "We talked and she gave me some encouraging words. That is Kamryn, always inspiring and encouraging. What an honor to meet and know her."
A Longtime Katy ISD Student, Katy Tiger Fan
Kamryn moved to Katy as a first grader in 2007 and attended Katy Elementary. She then moved up through Katy schools and became a proud Katy Tiger.
She was involved in National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Interact Club and girls basketball.
Kamryn loved Katy and supporting her brothers who played for the Katy Tiger football team. She loved going to the games almost as much as she loved walking her beloved dog, Bourbon.
“What Kamryn was able to accomplish in her life is remarkable. Her faith, strength, determination and love for others is what truly made this world a better place," says friend and fellow Katy graduate Ty Hymel. "She will be missed every minute of every day and the legacy she leaves behind will live on forever.”
"Thank you to all of our prayer warriors. We could not have gotten through without you," says Dusty Sanamo. "Please continue to keep our family in your prayers in the coming days and weeks."