Girl described as one tough cookie receives hero’s welcome

Seven weeks have passed since five-year-old Kendrah was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but the expression on her face Tuesday night showed no signs of the long road she has travelled.

Incredible display of community support. Welcome home Kendrah! @princealbertnow pic.twitter.com/DoPXAL2Yve

— nigel maxwell (@nigelmaxwell) May 20, 2020

The young Prince Albert girl smiled and waved as dozens of vehicles passed by her home, honking and showing various signs of support for her. Confetti exploded from one vehicle, and another was filled with helium balloons.

“Wow,” Kendrah said. “Is that all for me?”

“That’s for you, baby girl,” her grandfather, Corey Ferchoff, replied.

Kendrah stands proudly with her grandfather, waiting for the parade to start. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW)

Kendrah has undergone eight surgeries since March 29, the day she was found at a residence on MacArthur Drive and soon after rushed to hospital in Edmonton in critical condition.

Kendrah’s older brother, Bentlee, and their grandparents were located at the same property but were pronounced dead. Less than a week later, Kendrah’s father, Nathaniel Carrier, was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

The parade on Tuesday night was organized to help celebrate the girl who has become known as one tough cookie, and mark the one glimmer of light that has emerged from an otherwise sad and tragic story. The girl’s mother, Heather-Lynn Sumners, returned home with Kendrah and expressed her gratitude for the support.

“I am more than grateful for everything,” Sumners said. “I am very overwhelmed and so is Kendrah.”

Sumners acknowledged her son Bentlee’s absence, but added she felt he was there in spirit.

“It really is a pleasant relief coming home and being able to relax is more than I can ask for,” she said.

Const. Michael Norrie with Kendrah. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW)

Const. Michael Norrie with the Prince Albert Police Service was among the first responders who showed up at the property on March 29. On Tuesday night, he was on the receiving end of a warm hug from young Kendrah.

“It’s just an overwhelming feeling. It’s hard to even describe it. It’s just a miracle that she is alive,” he said.

Norrie acknowledged that incidents like the one involving Kendrah’s family take a toll on all the men and women who help protect and serve the community.

“It just feels so good to see everyone is doing well now and it was nice that the community put on a big parade for her,” he said. “Seeing her smile and happy makes you feel so good.”

The parade Tuesday was organized by Ferchoff as well as cousin Lisa Bonik. Bonik, who had advertised the event on Facebook, said she was taken aback by the turnout, and added there was no thank you needed.

“Just driving by watching her was enough,” she said.

Moments after the parade ended, Kendrah climbed down from the table she had been standing on and went back to doing what young girls her age like doing best — playing on her swing set.

Further serious challenges still lie ahead for Kendrah’s family. Carrier remains in custody, and has a pending court date on June 4.

Nigel Maxwell, paNOW