Kelin's story is truly one of "new life and new hope." When Kelin came to St. Louis through HTC, her life was endangered by severe scoliosis, which was slowly crushing her lungs and heart. Through two major surgeries at St. Louis Children's Hospital and three months of halo traction at Shriners Hospital, Kelin's life was saved. Her host family, many Kirkwood friends, and classmates at St. Peters, will all agree that Kelin has magically touched their lives in countless ways.