Kennedy's Road to Recovery Needs Your Help

My name is Ms. Candace Pegues and I’m asking for help to support my niece, Kennedy Gilmore. Kennedy and her two siblings have been in my custody on and off for the majority of their lives. In 2022, I was granted custody of the three children.

On July 24th, 2025, Kennedy was shot in the face by someone she had never seen in her life. She was rushed to the trauma center in critical condition. The bullet shattered her jawbone and caused other medical issues that have to be corrected by a surgeon. She currently has metal plates holding bones in place, and her mouth is wired shut. This is only the beginning of her life-changing moment. She will have to undergo a few more surgeries and therapy sessions.

Kennedy is a 15-year-old girl who is very active in school and the community. She played basketball which she became the captain of the team. She also played softball, and track for Westside Middle. Kennedy is loved by all the staff, her classmates, peers and the community because she is very helpful and willing to help however she can. She recently graduated from the culinary program at Christopher Puch Center in Cordova, and she attended Girls Inc. this past summer.

The purpose of the GoFundMe is to help with transportation, counseling and therapy sessions, schooling/education fees, and medical needs. Due to her situation, Kennedy will be homeschooled for at least the first semester. She will need counseling to help with her mental state, which has been affected tremendously. I have no transportation to get Kennedy to and from doctor's appointments, therapy, counseling, or anywhere she needs to go.

Anything that's donated will be greatly appreciated. If you can, please keep Kennedy and the family in your prayers and please share. I will try to post updates on her progress as much as I can. Thank you.