Kennedy Fireselam Gleason was born on October 19, 2008 in Ethiopia. Kennedy was abandoned; she was found by the community people of Addis Ketema Subcity on October 30, 2008 and her case was reported to the police department on the same day. On January 28, 2009 the Gleason’s were given a referral for adoption of Kennedy. She was 4 months old and weighed only 5 lbs – she was severely malnourished.

On March 13th they received their first pictures of their beautiful daughter and immediately fell in love with her. They anxiously checked their email all day hoping to get pictures or an update on how she was doing.

On March 31st, the Gleason’s received their 5th set of pictures. At the same time, on March 31st, Kennedy got sick and was taken to the hospital. It started with diarrhea then later she was diagnosed with pneumonia. She wasn’t strong enough to fight this illness. On April 1st their Dear Sweet Kennedy passed away. The Gleason’s hearts were shattered by the loss of Kennedy. God has broken their hearts for the orphans. Through the loss of Kennedy, He has planted in them a desire to fight for the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable in Ethiopia and around the world. In the two years following the loss of Kennedy, the Gleason’s grew their family through adopting their daughters Isabelle and Brooklyn from Ethiopia!

The Gleason’s continue this fight… join the fight! Because of Kennedy has 3 development programs that serve orphaned and vulnerable in Ethiopia; Family Empowerment, Child Development, Feeding Program.

https://becauseofkennedy.org/

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