GREENFIELD — Greenfield’s Kelly Mata Navarro, a 12-year-old cancer survivor, was the grand marshal for this year’s California Rodeo Salinas’ Kiddie Kapers Parade.
Navarro waved to the thousands of people lining the sides of South Main Street on July 14 from the back of a 1966 Ford Mustang, near the front of the parade lineup. Parade participants were mostly youth, ranging from babies in strollers up to a high school marching band.
While Navarro said the Salinas parade was “exciting,” she was most happy to have her family around her to cheer her up.
Navarro’s parents rode in the Mustang with her, while her brother, Juan Mata, walked with other children in cowboy hats holding a Golden Circle of Champions banner, directly behind the car. The foundation raises awareness for pediatric cancer and supports families during treatment.
Navarro has battled cancer three times. Despite having been through years of battles at such a young age, Navarro said she had a positive message for everyone, especially those going through difficulties.
“Never give up and always stay positive, no matter what they’re going through,” she said.
First diagnosed in 2019, Navarro needed a hip replacement to battle Ewing Sarcoma in her right femur.
“In 2019, she won the battle with cancer once,” said Blanca Mata-Navarro, her mother. “Her first time. Then cancer came back, a relapse in 2020, and it was a long treatment.”
Mata-Navarro said the third battle came in 2022.
“Right now, she’s cancer free and still in treatment,” said Mata-Navarro, echoing her daughter’s sentiment that the support of family helped. “It’s been a hard journey for all of us.”
Navarro said part of the selection process involved being interviewed by a panel at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last December. Despite being nervous to be interviewed by professionals, she called it an overall great experience, and even wore a black hat covered in the signatures of champions from that event during the Kiddie Kapers Parade.
“We never imagined Kelly was going to go through this,” Mata-Navarro said. She added of the Golden Circle of Champions, “We received their help and we hope other people can get help as we did.”
In addition to attending rodeos with her family, Navarro said she enjoys dancing, especially TikTok dances, and fashion. She said the hip replacement hasn’t impacted her dancing.
“TikTok helped her a lot because she wanted to dance, and since she was in a wheelchair for three months,” Mata-Navarro said. “She was trying to get better and better at doing the dances, and that’s what motivated her to stand.”
Fashion interests were reflected in Navarro’s outfit choices. Not only did she wear the western black hat, but also she embellished it with a tiara that she picked up from Fontana. She sparkled for the crowds by wearing a sequin coat from Boot Barn. Of all the western clothes, she said boots are her favorite to design.
“One day she wants to be a fashion designer,” Mata-Navarro said.
The summer will wrap up with Navarro entering the seventh grade at Vista Verde Middle School in Greenfield. She said she is prepared yet nervous at the upcoming shift to middle school.
In addition, Navarro will return to the spotlight in September for a princess crown ceremony during the Salinas El Grito festival.
