Kenneth Schroder
2004 Community Hero
A year after he was born, Kenneth was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that has no cure. Now, at 18, Ken is an impressive young man who’s spent more than a decade of his life traveling to places near and far as an “Army brat.” Despite the long years of medication and therapy, Ken has never ever complained about treatment or even having the disease itself, says his mother, Grace. “I know a lot of people who would have given up, but not Ken.”
Throughout the hard times, Ken has remained remarkably optimistic, always keeping up his spirit, attitude – and his studies. He’s admired by his friends and family for his deep appreciation of all that is beautiful in life. This explains why creative endeavors come easily to Ken, a talented artist who spends a lot of time drawing.
Ken says a hero strives to “help out others whether they need it or not.” And he’s particularly grateful for the doctors, nurses and friends who have helped him out along the way.
