GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — We met 15-year-old Keedon at Bolder Adventure Park in Grand Prairie, where he dove into a huge ball pit wearing one of our GoPro cameras. It's fitting because taking a leap of faith is something Keedon is used to.
"I've been in foster care since I was 7 years old," he said, "and I am now 15."
For more than half his life, Keedon has been in foster care without yet finding his forever family. He says it's been very hard.
He showed us a sweet picture of him right before he entered foster care in 2017. He said he expected life to get better but that it only got worse.
We also saw another picture of Keedon shortly after he entered foster care when he was 7 years old. Looking at that picture, he says he wishes he could warn the little boy smiling that it would be a rough road ahead.
"Prepare yourself because there's some bridges, you're gonna have to cross, and it's gonna hurt," he said while looking at the old photograph.
But Keedon has also found hope crossing that bridge.
"I am one of those types of kids that can brighten the mood at anytime," he said.
Despite dozens of placements during his life—four in the last year alone—Keedon remains faithful to one thing. He knows that together with his advocates, he will find his forever family.
"I want a nice family. I don't want no family that's abusive. I want a family that has discipline but they are very loving. I want a loving parent," he says.
Keedon's advocates say he needs parents who are used to dealing with children who have experienced trauma.
"I'm afraid they're gonna put me out. I'm afraid people are gonna give up," Keedon said about his fears of ending up on the streets when he turns 18.
Keedon wants parents who appreciate his bold spirit and see the love in his heart.
"My love, it's unconditional," he said.
All he needs is a family who will not let him age out of foster care and will help him restore his faith in humanity.
If you are interested in adopting Keedon, please contact Heart Gallery North Texas at 817-809-3440 or email hello@heartgallerynorthtexas.org. Please remember to include Keedon's name within the subject line.