My name is Hunter, and I am a lifelong friend to Kennedy and her family. Like many in our community, I am SO grateful to call Kennedy’s family my second family. From organizing toy donations for hospitalized children, to serving as an EMT in our community, and to being the #1 fan to everyone and anyone she crossed paths with, Kennedy has ALWAYS showed up for our small community despite her own personal fight against chronic illness. While her family stood beside her and supported their girl through her fight, they too have poured so much love and commitment into our community. To describe Kennedy and her family as selfless, compassionate, and downright incredible people would be an understatement. Today I am calling on our community, Kennedy’s loved ones, Kennedy’s friends and classmates, and anyone who can spare even a small donation or share of this story to join me in showing up for Kennedy and her family to gather the financial support needed to lay their sweet girl to rest.

In 2008, when she was just thirteen years old, Kennedy was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that resulted in kidney failure. Two years later, she was blessed with a kidney transplant that extended her quality of life until 2016 when the transplant rejected and she began a regular dialysis regimen. Since then, Kennedy has been continually fighting to stay healthy and eligible for a new kidney transplant. Despite the rejection for a transplant by multiple healthcare providers, she stayed positive, hopeful, and adamant for a healthier future. After the past two years of practicing the safest and strictest COVID-19 protocols to protect her health, in February 2022 Kennedy ended up fighting for her life against COVID-19. Although the odds were never in her favor during her two week stay in the ICU, Kennedy battled for her life and conquered the virus. For the next two weeks, Kennedy channeled her energy into healing and spending time with her family. Ultimately, complications that occurred due to her battle with COVID-19 led to her final hospitalization. After fourteen years of fighting for her life, Kennedy’s body became tired, and so did her soul. On March 12th, 2022, seven years to the day of her grandfather’s passing, her grandfather welcomed her with open arms to her eternal resting place.

While many know Kennedy by her health complications, she was so much more than her diagnosis. Kennedy had dreams of working as a healthcare professional. It was her life’s mission to give back the dedication and care she had received over the years. Kennedy cared about people she had never even met. She was an advocate for social justice, and she stood by her beliefs. Kennedy was the positive light in everyone’s lives. She was a glamour girl who loved pink and all things glitz and glam. She spread her sparkle everywhere she went and to anyone she encountered. Kennedy always found humor in the moment. Her laugh and smile were contagious, and one couldn’t help but feel uplifted when in her presence. She was ambitious, creative, intelligent, quick-witted, and she loved to dance and sing with her best friend, her mom. While no family should ever have say goodbye so soon, her family finds comfort in knowing she is dancing in the sky with her papa. Kennedy’s wings were ready, but the hearts of the loved ones she left behind were not.

As one can imagine, fourteen years of battling chronic illness comes with medical and transportation bills. In addition, funds are needed to cover a well-deserved celebration of life and other expenses related to laying Kennedy to rest. While Kennedy’s family mourns the loss of their sweet girl, we

want these financial burdens to be the least of their worries during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help cover the expenses ahead. Any and all contributions are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Anything helps - even a simple share of this account to help us reach our financial goal. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” - Helen Keller

In the words of Kennedy and her tribe: "Life! Ha-cha-cha-chaaaa!"

If you do not wish to donate via GoFundMe, donations can also be sent via the following routes:

Cashapp: $StacyWind

Venmo: @Stacy-Windham-2

Avram Funeral Home by check with “Kennedy Carter” in the memo line

Send to:

Avram Funeral Home

PO. Box 130

Mayville, MI 48744

*Any additional funds will allow the family to carry on the impact Kennedy had on the lives of many*