404-223-Kids (5437)
Helping
Families
The Keenan’s Kids Foundation periodically helps special needs families
such as the Murphy and Price familes whose stories are told below. The
help is in the form of buying clothes, special outings such as concerts,
the zoo, sporting events and even hot air ballon rides. If you know of
a family in need please let us know or if you want to help the Murphy’s
or Price’s families let us know via email and we’ll take you
to the next step.
The Murphy Family
Murphy Family At The Zoo (2003)
The Murphy’s story begins in 1983 with their first adopted
daughter Shannon. She would become the first of 23 more to come. Along
with 4 biological children of their own, the Murphy household is filled
with love, compassion, respect, and a devotion to building a real family.
The Murphy household is also filled with lots of laundry!
Their ages range from 13 months to 34 years of age. Although all adopted
children have some sort of special needs, the majority of the children
have down syndrome. John and Jeanette have a passion to teach these children
independence, teamwork, and for them to grow into thriving adults. They
see something in all of them where some would not.
Their lives have known sadness with the passing of several children which
has been the hardest part of the journey. But, the Murphy’s stay
strong and positive for the future.
Today, you can find the Murphy’s all around town going roller skating,
hiking or visiting the zoo. Angel, who is blind, experienced touching
and feeding an elephant for the first time at the zoo this past summer.
You might also catch them performing a dance recital at a local church
or nursing home. If your lucky and catch them in the morning, you will
receive a home cooked breakfast. They love to cook and can all make scrambled
eggs!
The Murphy’s continue on their journey and hope for more additions
along the way.
Additional notes:
- This
all started when John and Jeanette were working at a home for adults
who were mentally handicapped. They didn’t like how some had been
treated over their lifetime and saw a lack of what they were taught
growing up. The Murphy’s thought they were capable of so much
more, if only someone had given them a chance. They felt by adopting
special needs children when they were young, they could provide for
them a thriving family environment which would encourage more socially
correct behavior and give them an opportunity to reach their full potential.
- John
and Jeanette have 4 biological children. One is still at home and 3
are on their own. They adopted their first child between their 2nd and
3rd child.
- During
these past years they have also been foster parents to 5 children.
- They
find the whole adoption process to be challenging and difficult at times.
That is their biggest complaint. They feel if the process was improved
more people would adopt.
- They
want to adopt more. They would love to adopt down syndrome twins!
- All the
children are learning sign language.
- All the
children are home schooled.
- The rewards
have been more than they could have ever imagined. They are most proud
of how everyone pitches in as a family.
- They
are amazed everyday of what these children can learn and how independent
they have become.
The Price Family
In a small town outside of Atlanta is where you will find the Price
family. Presently, their ranch style home is being renovated to add
on more bedrooms, bathrooms and to make their home more wheelchair accessible.
Why do they need these changes? Over the past twenty nine years, Rod
and Linda Price have parented over fifty children.
The Price’s had their first biological child in 1975 and started
dreaming of making a loving home not only for their own children, but
also for hard to place children.
Currently they have eight birth children, nine adopted children and
are in the process of adopting four more. They presently have sixteen
children living at home, ranging in age from one to twenty. They are
a very busy household!
The children that have been adopted by Rod and Linda have a variety
of different special needs. From learning disabilities, to the physically
and mentally challenged. Some have been victims of drug addict parents
and have serious emotional and behavioral problems. They all share a
heartbreaking past but most of all, now share a bright future in a home
filled with love, laughter, stability, trust and compassion.
Their home is best described as a very happy and busy home filled with
lots of stimulation. Many of the children have succeeded far beyond
what they thought possible. They are graduating high school, learning
independent living skills, and even participating in the Special Olympics!
The children are also involved with their church, scouting, various
therapeutic therapies, sports, dancing, and music lessons.
With the help and support of their church and community, the Price family
keeps their dream alive. They continue daily to open their home to the
children who need them while helping and educating other families to
do the same.
Additional notes:
-
Rod works form home designing computer hardware and software. Linda has a nursing degree with years of experience and currently does not work outside the home.
-
Money has been raised for building supplies for renovations on their house. Several church groups have offered work teams.
-
Some of their biological children are still at home while others are on their own. The children have all been great helpers throughout the years. They are all becoming successful and thriving adults. Their interests include ministry, sports, and photography. Some have career aspirations in medicine, journalism, and education. Sarah is married and both are special education teachers.
-
Their biological son Joel, suffered a severe brain injury at 18 months. He is wheelchair bound and is making great strides as are many of the others.
-
Losing children has always been the toughest part.
-
The Price’s have an open door policy and give back to others as well.
-
“Not enough space” is a frequently heard throughout the house.
-
They have had good relationships with medical professionals.
-
All the children help in their own way. Some do yard work, housework, cooking, and child care.
Circus Day (2003) Back
To School Shopping (2003)
If you want to help, hit the E-mail button.