The Leaf-Chronicle in Clarksville, Tenn., wrote about a local family featured in the episode:
When Renee and Frank Garcia exchanged wedding vows almost 11 years ago, little did they expect their future family would someday be featured on a national cable network.
Nor did they expect the birth of their third child would reveal a beautiful daughter, Kennedy – a child with Down syndrome.
And they certainly never imagined then that they would venture into international adoption of another special needs child with Down syndrome.
Renee and Frank have four children - Kassidy, 9, Kameron, 7, Keeghan, 2, and Kennedy now five years old. The Garcia family will be featured Wednesday night on
The Learning Channel network in “Truth be Told” – a one-hour episode spotlighting three families with special need children.
“We did not know until she was born that Kennedy had Down syndrome. I had had all of the blood work and I was young, there was no reason for concern. It was really devastating. The hospital people gave us a lot of negative information and suggested an institution,” said Renee.
But, the Gracias never questioned Kennedy’s destination.
“Never for a moment was there any question that she would come home with us. We were like what are you talking about this is our baby,” said Renee.
After initial Down syndrome research “and educating ourselves” - fears dwindled and hope found wings.
“She’s more like typical kids that she is different. She’s definitely a blessing – like each of children – each special and unique in his or her own way,” said Renee.
Kennedy is loving child who adores Hannah Montana and having tea parties with her big sister.
Kassidy, a student at Barksdale Elementary ,wants to become “a teacher who works with children with cancer.”
Big sister Kassidy walks Kennedy to class each morning and picks her up each afternoon.
Frank, a soldier stationed at Fort Campbell, says his older children have always been accepting of Kennedy.
“They knew there was something different about Kennedy when we brought her home, but we’ve never made it where you treat her different – they just see her as their sister,” said Frank who will deploy for the fourth time in the spring.
Kennedy started kindergarten this year, but she is already a student of life.
Kennedy was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, underwent chemotherapy at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and is now in remission.
Last year, the brown-eyed princess had spinal fusion surgery at Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia for a spine abnormality that could have resulted in paralysis if left untreated.
“Kennedy is tougher that a lot of soldiers I’ve known,” said Frank.
