When her younger brother, Kaeden, was born with a hole in his heart, Kennedy Jet Kulish started her own volunteer organization to raise money for children with heart defects. Though only six years old at the time, Kennedy did not let her young age prevent her from doing everything she could to help her brother and others born with similar conditions.

The idea initially came to her at the time of her brother's first birthday party, when she suggested to her mother that the guests, in lieu of birthday presents, bring donations made out to the hospital that had saved Kaeden’s life. Named for her brother, the "Kisses for Kaeden" project has raised over forty-eight thousand dollars for various nonprofit organizations in just four years. The beneficiaries of Kennedy's fundraising have included Penn State Children's Hospital, the MDA Children’s Miracle Network, the American Heart Association, the Special Olympics, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Though her brother – who had to endure three open-heart surgeries before he was even a year old – has since recovered from the effects of his heart defect, Kennedy continues her charitable work conscious of the fact that there are many other children who are still suffering from heart conditions or have other special needs. Her fundraising efforts always include the help of other children her age who together participate in a variety of projects such as lemonade stand fundraisers, charity auctions, toy drives, garage sales, bake sales, and simple door-to-door collections. The work is time-consuming, but Kennedy is tireless, and manages to have a fundraiser every month despite also being an honor roll student and involved in sports, dance, and other extracurricular activities.

While Kaeden is her own personal hero, Kennedy Jet Kulish, through her many selfless acts, is becoming a hero to many in her community, young and old. "Even if you are a kid," she says, "if you are serious about helping others, you can!"

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