Kristen Kenney
My Purpose Is to:
Be a voice in the fight to end malaria and mobilize a network of people to Go-MAD– "make a difference"
The second I read Kristen Kenney’s bio, I wanted to feature her on Talking GOOD. Kristen is a prime example of someone who’s purpose in life was forged directly from a profound, life-changing (and life-threatening) experience. In 2009, Kristen along with an Emmy award-winning Travel Channel film crew, found themselves in Tanzania, Africa working on a documentary. While there, she contracted an aggressive form of malaria.
It cost Kristen less than ten dollars to buy the life-saving medicine that she needed; a seemingly miniscule price to pay to safe a life. Yet, for people in Africa’s poorest communities, that medicine is hard to find and even then, too expensive to purchase. In Africa, 800,000 children die each year from Malaria. Kristen’s near death experience became the catalyst for a grassroots initiative called MALAIKAFORLIFE.ORG – Buy a Bracelet, Save a LIFE.
Today, Kristen is a field reporter & feature producer for FOX Sports. Later this month, she will represent her company at the 2012 London Olympics. She continues to volunteer and dedicate her time to MALAIKA FOR LIFE and the malaria cause. Thanks so much for answering my questions Kristen!
Organizational Links:
- Malaika for Life website
- Facebook page
- Twitter page
- Kristen Kenney’s website
- Kristen Kenney’s facebook page
- Kristen Kenney's Twitter
- Kristen Kenney's Pinterest
The 10 questions
IN JUST ONE SENTENCE, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
To be a voice in the fight to end malaria and mobilize a network of people to Go-MAD –”make a difference.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE YOU “EXPIRE?”
I hope to see the world malaria-free and to continue to create a movement that motives people to take action. One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching.
IF YOU COULD MEET WITH ANYONE (ALIVE), WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THEM?
Nelson Mandela – from a man who has gone through adversity, how do you forgive, what inspired you to keep fighting, how do you turn a horrible situation into something good and what world issues keep you up at night?
WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR BOOK BE?
GO-MAD – “Go-Make a Difference”
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU, IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE?
I would say Katherine McPhee because she is the girl next door / ambassador for malaria no more, but I really don’t know many actresses or actors to be honest.
WHAT IS A BELIEF THAT IS CORE TO YOUR BEING?
“Wake up in the morning and find out what you want to give as opposed to what you want to get” Russell Simmons
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES?
My family because that’s where my kindness, courage and drive comes from, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and Nelson Mandela because he is an achiever despite living a life of many struggles. He stood for what he believed in and dedicated his life to fighting for it. I admire his kindness and forgiveness. Don’t mistake kindness for weakness…
IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Peace Corps and/or Anthropologist.
TELL US SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOURSELF.
A sports reporter by trade, my near death experience with malaria was the greatest thing that ever happened to me, opening my eyes to a bigger purpose in life. I hope to use my media platform to raise awareness and do good. Watch the full story here: http://youtu.be/-cLHPZhMoz4 (video also embedded above).
WHAT QUESTION DO YOU WISH I HAD ASKED?
What does “Malaika” mean, and why should we care about malaria in America?
Malaika means angel in Africa. Malaria is an important global concern. It not only kills a child every 60 seconds but keeps a country in continual poverty. WE are ONE COMMUNITY at the end of the day. Malaria used to exist here in our backyard about 60 years ago. We are so fortunate to live in a place where mosquitoes are not deadly and a place where our dreams can flourish. Why not give a little, especially if it can go so far and save a life. Be an angel, buy a bracelet, save a life at http://malaikaforlife.org
