Kodi was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma at age 5 and has experienced two relapses of the disease. She has undergone chemotherapy, surgery to remove an abdominal tumor, radiation, and has participated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Kodi and her family have traveled to San Francisco, Memphis and Fort Worth for various stages of her treatment.

When asked about Kodi’s outlook her mom, Tracy Tutt, shared, “Throughout her journey, Kodi has remained positive and made the best of her situation.  She recently told a new friend she is not sad that she has cancer. When someone tells her they are sorry for her, she tells them not to be – cancer has given her opportunity. At the age of 12, Kodi is teaching us all a lesson about life and positivity.”

As the 11th honoree of the Craig Willinger Fund (CWFund), 12-year-old Kodi and her family were invited to attend the U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic send-off friendly versus Costa Rica in Kansas City on July 22, 2016. The Tutts were welcomed as special guests of the U.S. Soccer Federation at a closed training session the night before the game. Kodi was introduced to the USWNT players and coaching staff and presented with a personalized jersey that the team autographed that evening.

Following Sporting Kansas City’s tradition of honoring children fighting life-threatening illnesses, Kodi was introduced to game attendees through a public address announcement and live video on the big screens at Children’s Mercy Park. Kodi shared an amazing moment with the Kansas City and national chapters of the American Outlaws, the unofficial supporters’ group for U.S. men’s and women’s soccer, as she led the supporters’ section in a cheer and an incredible spontaneous moment on drums. In addition to a VIP tour of the stadium—including the press box, locker rooms, and field—Kodi was reunited with the team after the game, whereupon each player presented her with a friendship bracelet they made themselves as a belated birthday celebration.