Kenna’s Story “ May her spirit guide us to be an Angel to others”

Our beloved daughter Makenna Louise Wolfe passed away on December 11, 2021, when hit by a drunk driver. We are devastated by her and her unborn baby’s death, and there will forever be a void in our heart. 

At age 18, she was a victim of online sex trafficking via drugging. We did not realize this until the FBI contacted her. It took a while to unfold, but it ended up being part of a national trafficking case involving 500+girls. The perpetrators are now serving prison sentences. As a result of sex trafficking, Kenna experienced trauma, multiple moves, substance abuse, mental health symptoms, death threats, relationship problems, and had to legally change her name to move forward with a new life. As one might imagine, it is difficult to know and understand how to help your child in this situation. We would move mountains to help her, and we certainly tried. Although this did not kill Kenna, we believe it killed parts of her emotionally and caused her setbacks. Unfortunately, these tragedies can happen to anyone’s child, as we have learned through meeting other grieving parents. Despite this, we are extremely proud of Kenna in how she endured and overcame the best she could with her determination, love for others, and smiling spirit. She continued attending college and remained on the Dean’s list.

Being a victim of sex trafficking can lead to drug addiction, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, and mental health issues just to name a few things. Trafficking and mental health is something that is not talked about or given enough attention or funding even today. When Kenna experienced it nine years ago, many people had never even heard of it. Trafficking, mental health and substance abuse is a deadly crisis that is killing Americans at epidemic proportions. It affects all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and those in every social and economic status. Trafficking is occurring everywhere. It does not discriminate.

Kenna was born February 18, 1995, in Arlington, TX raised with lots of love. When Kenna entered the room, she did so with big dimples and a beautiful smile. She loved to laugh. She was extremely smart, gifted in school, and very enthusiastic about politics, sailing, theatre, reading and creative writing. She looked out for those who were less fortunate than her and she had a big heart for wanting to help others. At times, she brought home stray cats. Once, she brought home a dog that she put in our backyard to help care for until the owner came home. She participated in extracurricular activities and won writing, reading, and theatre set design awards. She accepted everyone and she understood differences and struggles as she had them herself. She loved to learn and loved school. Kenna was on the Sailing Team in college. She was going to compete the next semester. She loved the water, boating, and had her Captain’s license. Kenna’s friends and family members will never see her get married, have a family, or succeed as an attorney, which was her goal. She was one semester away from a public policy degree, had a paralegal degree, and took the LSAT exam with ease.

Through the “Kenna’s Kindness Project” memorial fund our hope is that we can help others “pick up the pieces,” as Kenna did.  I want to ensure monies are given to those who need it most. If you would like to donate to the fund and our causes, we would be so grateful. If you are unable to contribute monetarily, you can help by sharing Kenna’s story and telling others about our foundation. We will continue to grow this into a nonprofit to continue Kenna’s legacy celebrating her life and passions while helping others.