Kennedy Hubbard, 13, is 'feeling like a rock star'

Inspired by one of their own, students at William Allen Middle School in Moorestown have found the worthiest of causes.

Last month, The Inquirer featured one of their classmates, 13-year-old Kennedy Hubbard, as she negotiated her school day.

Kennedy, born with a large mass that covers her lower face and neck, has endured constant medical monitoring and numerous procedures at Children's Hospital Boston with grace and humor.

Yet despite her rare condition, Kennedy has dedicated herself to raising funds for others with facial anomalies through her nonprofit, Kennedy's Cause. The teenager sells bracelets that she and her family created, jewelry that bears the single word "Shine" as a reminder to let one's inner beauty shine through.

The Inquirer story generated considerable interest and response, with bracelet orders pouring in - hundreds - and media interest from as far away as Germany.

But what has been most meaningful to Kennedy has been the response of her classmates.

When she returned from her latest treatment in Boston, Kennedy learned that every eighth-grade class in the school's "21st Century Challenges" course had decided to focus on Kennedy's Cause as its key service project this semester.

"The students were in the process of choosing what worthy cause to support," said Michael Berner, who teaches the course. "Suggestions had been the usual - the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Alex's Lemonade Stand."

But according to Berner, class discussions following the Inquirer article led to an overwhelming majority who favored "looking homeward." Now the bracelet campaign is in high gear, and coin jars for Kennedy's Cause contributions are in strategic locations at the school. More than $1,100 was raised in the first several days, and the momentum continues.

"It's been amazing," said Kennedy, who is grateful, and moved, by the outpouring of support.

"If Kennedy has the confidence to make a difference, we should, too. Kennedy always puts a smile on my face and I know donations will put a smile on hers," says eighth grader Natalie Ward, 14.

"Kennedy inspires me to be the best person I can be," says classmate Michelle Latzer, 14. Enrique Arvelo, also 14, wanted to pitch in because " . . . supporting Kennedy's Cause just felt like the right thing to do."

"Our daughter is feeling like a rock star," says her happily overwhelmed mother, Leanne Hubbard, who made 300 bracelets over a recent weekend, and needs many more. "I think she's realizing that she's anything but alone in the world."

Kennedy has been busy dashing around school hanging up posters with her posse of friends.

Proceeds from Kennedy Hubbard's Shine bracelets will support the Vascular Anomalies Center at Children's Hospital Boston, where she has been receiving treatment in preparation for another operation.

Says an excited Kennedy: "I'm feeling that people really do care, and that's pretty great!"