NEW FREEDOM, Pa. — Like most sisters, Keira and Kendall Woods are two peas in a pod.
But unlike most siblings, they now share the exact same cells.
"My sister was my donor," said Keira Woods. "She was a 100% match."
This past summer, Keira underwent a bone marrow transplant from Kendall.
"Just a lot of chemotherapy and they wipe out my entire immune system, so that my sister's cells will be able to build, grow and replace mine," said Woods.
The 17-year-old has been battling a rare form of blood cancer for the past five years.
Keira says the transplant not only brought the pair even closer, but it's also given them a renewed sense of hope.
"I'm officially 99.5% Kendall, and it needs to get to 100% in order for it to be successful," said Keira. "And then in a couple years, I'll be completely cancer-free."
During her recovery process, the Casey Cares Foundation has stepped in.
"Cancer has obviously impacted my life quite a bit," Keira said. "Not being able to do things with my friends if I'm sick or if the weather is too bad, or if the illnesses are too high. Casey Cares has still allowed me to do what I love and be with my friends and family. Even go to events."
From several trips to the Baltimore Aquarium to movie nights in, with all the snacks.
Keira is just one of more than 5,000 being helped by the nonprofit.
It provides critically ill kids, teens and their families with memorable experiences.
"Often times when a child is diagnosed, they aren't the only person who is impacted. Their whole family gets impacted," said Erin Ritter, Casey Cares deputy associate director. "So whatever we can do to provide just some normalcy and some financial support at times."
Through it all, Keira maintains a positive outlook.
"I always tell myself it could always be worse," she said.
She's even raised money for Pediatric Cancer Research during her journey.
Now, she's looking forward to celebrating the holidays with those she loves most.
"If you just keep hoping and praying, it'll eventually come to you," said Keira. "All good things."
If you'd like to make a difference this holiday season, you can become a Casey Cares Memory Maker.