Kaelan Nelson

Peninsula High School senior an inspiration to others, touches people’s lives with encouragement

Kaelan Nelson turned challenges in his life into an opportunity to help and inspire others. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 7, he said there was a point when he didn’t think he would make it to high school. Despite 3 1/2 years of daily chemotherapy, he kept up academically and also became involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Nelson was the keynote speaker at many events, schools and fundraisers, where he shared his encouraging story with others. He recalled his first public speech when he was 7, at the Honolulu Marathon, in front of about 4,000 people.

“I don’t mind sharing about my life, because I believe it can help people and ease the trouble they may be having,” he said.

Through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Nelson became involved with a program called Team in Training. As an “honored teammate,” he was a person who served as an inspiration for those signing up to complete an endurance event as a fundraiser.

“He is the first one to volunteer to talk to new patients and ease their tears,” said Aja Albiar, a Team in Training campaign coordinator who has known Nelson for more than three years.

Nelson is well-loved by the organization because of his victory against cancer and his ability to change others.

“He shares his story in an eloquent, positive and unbelievable way,” Albiar said of Nelson’s public speaking. “I’ve seen speeches Kaelan has written and delivered bring grown men to tears.”

Nelson’s parents are marathon runners, and — after he received a clean bill of health and after months of training — he, too, ran a marathon during his sophomore year.

“It was one of the best experiences in my life,” he said.

Nelson hopes to become a paramedic. He had an opportunity to job-shadow at a firehouse and rode along on an ambulance.

“They could not get me out of the firehouse,” he said. “I thought it was the most awesome thing in the world.”

Nelson has been engaged with several athletic activities and various volunteer opportunities while maintaining an excellent grade-point average. Lynn Wall, who has known Nelson for eight years, was impressed with his spirit while he participated in track. Even though he wasn’t the fastest person on the team, Wall said Nelson demonstrated enthusiasm and joy.

“It was a great reminder for me that winning isn’t everything, and sometimes life is about the journey,” Wall said. “Later, when Kaelan began swimming and found a sport at which he excelled, that same joy and great attitude continued, but now his efforts were finally rewarded with victory.”

Nelson was selected the most inspirational athlete on his swimming and water polo teams — and he continues to inspire others around him.

Kaelan Nelson

Education: Senior, Peninsula High School

GPA: 3.62

Parents: Tina and Wally Nelson

Activities/achievements: Swimming team (including as captain), Distinguished Scholastic award, track and field, varsity water polo, Most Inspirational on PHS boys swimming and water polo teams, Olympic League first team all-league swimming, Relay for Life speaker/volunteer, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society speaker, volunteer and honor teammate, Winterfest and SAVE volunteer.

Favorite teacher: Tim Messersmith, U.S. history. “I think it is a rare gift when a teacher can engage his students and create an atmosphere and desire where you want to learn. Mr. Messersmith has that gift, and not only makes me want to learn but keeps me intrigued and always looking for more.”

Best thing about high school: “The teachers at Peninsula High School have encouraged me to grow over the past four years and have given me the desire to succeed.”