Evansville, Indiana Father-Daughter Duo Grant Wishes & Inspire

When you think about a rappeler, a 9-year-old girl probably isn't the first person that you would picture doing something so dangerous. Allow me to introduce you to the bravest little girl that I know: Kennedy Hester.

Photos Steve Geis

Meet Ben and Kennedy Hester

Kennedy Hester is only nine years old, but she has been through a lot in her life. You see, she had neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that is usually diagnosed in children under the age of five. Kennedy went through major surgery on her abdomen and left leg due to neuroblastoma when she was only a year old.

Ben Hester

Kennedy's dad, Ben knows all too well what it's like to battle cancer. Long before Kennedy was born, Ben had surgery on his left arm due to osteosarcoma. He was only fourteen at the time of his cancer diagnosis.

Ben Hester

They are sharing their story and preparing to help grant wishes for children with cancer or life-threatening illnesses. Together they exceeded their fundraising goal of $3,000 for GRANTED. They raised $3,460!

All Smiles Minutes Before The Big Rappel

Photos: Steve Geis

Did they both go Over the Edge 4 GRANTED?

YES! I am so proud of Kennedy. She is much braver than most adults that I know. Now, there were some tense moments as Kennedy prepared for her rappel. I can tell you first-hand that taking that first step backward is the most terrifying part of the rappel. In fact, last year, I literally tried to get out of going over the edge, because I was scared of stepping back.

Photos: Steve Geis

Fearless Determination

Photos: Steve Geis

Easy Cheesey

Photo: Jeff Purdue Photography

Watch Ben and Kennedy Rappel

Ben's students came out to show support for the Hesters.

Photo: Jourdy Bean

Even though it was a stressful start, Kennedy did not let it show once she was back on the ground. I chatted with her and she was her spunky self, and even growled a little!

Steve Geis

Photo: Hester family

OVER THE EDGE 4 GRANTED 2023 RESULTS:

175 Rappelers
26 Teams
$316,662 Total

Get Ready for 2024

Please join GRANTED on April 27, 2024, when participants will be given the opportunity to rappel down CenterPoint Energy's nine-story building in downtown Evansville overlooking the mighty Ohio River.

Meet The Siblings on Indiana's Waiting Children Foster Care List 2023

We often share stories and fundraising opportunities from organizations like Isaiah 117 House Vanderburgh County and Borrowed Hearts Foundation. Both nonprofits work with children and families in foster care. There's a story behind every child in foster care, and these sets of siblings simply want to be adopted together.