SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH NEWS
For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Erin Goff: erin.goff@imail.org / 801-376-8157
Link to download today’s celebration b-roll:
https://securedrop.intermountain.net/securedrop/public.php?service=files&t=cc1a2f97e47ab4a247a172fc683c1b82
Link to Kendalyn’s story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2y7CQl961M
Patient Champion for Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital to Receive National Recognition and Be Featured on Cereal Boxes Nationwide
Children’s Miracle Network has chosen 11-year-old, Kendalyn Illu, a patient at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, as a National Champion to be a face of the network, representing 170 children’s hospitals nationwide in 2026. Her image will be on General Mills cereal boxes in May, and in Costco stores nationwide.
Kendalyn, along with 19 other children from across the United States, was selected for the honor by Children’s Miracle Network for their positive attitude and for being great examples to other children in their communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13, Kendalyn’s school, Bluff Ridge Elementary in Syracuse, announced this honor to her classmates during an assembly where she received an official Children’s Miracle Network medal, which she promptly checked to see if it was chocolate.
Intermountain Health Foundation caregivers, Children’s Miracle Network representatives, her family, her Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital care team, her teachers, and classmates all celebrated Kendalyn with confetti canyons, cheers, and giant cardboard cut-outs of her face.
Kendalyn has been a patient at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital since she was born.
She was diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), a rare gastrointestinal disorder that can cause severe complications. She has complete intestinal failure and is unable to eat, so she receives nutrition through a central line that helps her grow and live an active life.
Kendalyn remains positive and embraces life. She is often seen with her medical alert dog Reggie, a standard poodle who often wears a blue or pink vest, pink bows, and painted toenails. She’s interested in becoming a veterinarian, a doctor, or a child life specialist.
“I pretty much have done random things my whole life at Primary Children’s, but that doesn’t stop me from having fun,” Kendalyn said. “I go to ballet, I go to Disney, I’ve done Nutcracker, I play with my friends. I do all that fun stuff.”
“As long as she can achieve whatever goal she sets,” said Rob Illu, Kendalyn’s dad, “I think that would be a win.”
In 2025, Kendalyn was chosen to be Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital local patient champion, now she will get to share her story nationally. Intermountain Children’s Health leaders are excited for Kendalyn to experience the huge honor, representing all the children who are cared for at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
