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Love Shines Through Photo by Allison Hinm an Photography
River Run Supports Kennedy’s Garden During Month of May
Kennedy with her brother Cole. Kennedy Lambeth loved riding on a pony named Willie at Shining Hope Farm.
by Jennifer Mitchell | photography courtesy of Crystal Lambeth
Those who had the pleasure of knowing young, sweet Kennedy Lambeth describe her as a fighter, a force of nature and a bright light who overcame many obstacles during her short life. For the month of May, her community, River Run in Davidson, will be collecting donations to support Kennedy’s Garden at Shining Hope Farm in Charlotte. Kennedy’s birthday is May 25, so the month holds special significance. Due to complications at birth, her mother Crystal Lambeth explains Kennedy suffered from brain bleeds and significant brain damage that led to long-term health complications including seizures. While doctors were not sure how long she would live, she fought through many medical situations and at the age of two, learned to ride a pony at Shining Hope Farm in Charlotte, where a special garden, now bearing her name, honors her life. “Shining Hope Farm gave us hope,” explains Lambeth. “There was something special that happened when Kennedy would ride her favorite pony named Willie. They had this bond that is indescribable, and it was like Willie knew how much Kennedy needed him to help her grow strong.” Kennedy Lambeth passed away in her mother’s arms in January 2017 in the recliner at their home where she had read her stories 20
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022
and rocked her to sleep. Kennedy was only 3 years old. “I thank God every day because he gave us more time for me to kiss her, to hug her, to smell her and to hold her. I knew when it was time to let her be an angel and to be free from pain.” Kennedy’s Garden at Shining Hope Farm began with donations from her family. It is a large space located next to the barn where her favorite pony lives with others. Kennedy’s family envisions the space becoming a special secret garden that many of us remember as children, with stone animals and sensory boards to help with fine and gross motor skills. A place that children of all ages will enjoy and adults, too. “There are no words to describe how much I miss her smile, her little scoot and to hear her only word ‘Momma’,” says Lambeth. But being able to honor the farm, precious Kennedy and to create such a special tribute in her honor means the world to her family. Donations of any kind for the garden can be dropped off during the month of May at Slice Café located at the River Run Tennis Center. Donations can also be mailed to Shining Hope Farm at 3701 Kidd Lane, Charlotte, N.C., 28216 with “Kennedy’s Garden” noted. Slice Café also has paper flowers that can be picked up, detailing special requests including shovels, rakes, gloves, and a sensory table for Kennedy’s Garden.
