HIGHLAND | Kendall Ciesemier, a freshman at Wheaton North High School and founder of "KidsCaring4Kids," will be the guest speaker at a youth group meeting at St. James the Less Church at 6 p.m. April 6.

"KidsCaring4Kids" is a nonprofit organization that raises money to support children in Africa whose lives have been severely impacted by AIDS.

Ciesemier will share her story, sure to touch and inspire the Life Ministry High School Youth Group at their bimonthly meeting. "She is an amazing young lady with a huge heart," said Joe Kern, Life Ministry Youth leader. "I believe she is using the talents and gifts she was given by God to make a difference, and her story should be shared with other youth."

No stranger to suffering, Ciesemier was born with a rare condition known as biliary atresia and has undergone two liver transplants. During her illnesses and recuperation she encouraged friends and family to raise/donate money for her cause rather than send her flowers, cards or gifts.

Ciesemier was first inspired after viewing a Oprah Winfrey show about the plight of African children in December, 2003. Last fall, former President Bill Clinton appeared at her high school while promoting his new book, and surprised her by acknowledging her accomplishments during an assembly.

Once the assembly had ended he whisked her off to a special taping of the Oprah Winfrey show, where she was given an anonymous pledge (from a donor traveling with Clinton) of $500,000 for her organization.

"I'm just a girl who wants to make a difference for other kids," said Ciesemier. "For a long time..I knew I was supposed to help people."

To attend the April 6 meeting at St. James, contact Kern at jkern@life-ministry.org or visit the ministry website at www.life-ministry.org.

- For The Times