In 2007, Ke’onte was just eight years old, News 8’s Gloria Campos featured him as a Wednesday’s Child in two different segments in hopes of finding a family to adopt him.
Following a failed adoption and disappointment, Gloria did another report on Ke’onte two years later, in hopes the second time would be the charm.
Now 14, Ke’onte returned to WFAA to surprise Gloria Campos, live, during the Wednesday, March 4, 2014 News 8 at 10 broadcast.
You can watch the segment below, followed by a transcript from WFAA.
TRANSCRIPT:
Fourteen-year-old Ke’onte is full of life and laughter — largely because of his parents.
“If someone said they will offer you money for your parents, I’d say, ‘Heck no!’ because they’re worth more than what you’ve got!” he said.
In 2007, when Ke’onte was just eight years old, Gloria Campos featured him as a Wednesday’s Child who had already learned the Golden Rule.
“Treat people the way you want to be treated,” he said.
Following a failed adoption and disappointment, Gloria did another report on Ke’onte two years later, in hopes the second time would be the charm.
“I’ve been moved to different homes, and the adoption didn’t go so well,” Ke’onte said in 2009.
Carol and Scott Cook saw Ke’onte on Channel 8 and knew right away he was their son.
“He just spoke to us through the video,” Scott said. “Just seemed like he was talking to us.”
“I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for putting him on the second time, because not only did you bring us the child that God wanted us to have — and we wouldn’t have seen him otherwise — but you’ve also helped him touch millions by him being able to talk about his story,” Carol added.
Two years ago, Ke’onte spoke before Congress, describing his four years in foster care where he felt he was over-medicated with mind-altering drugs.
“When I first arrived at my parents’ house, my Mom says she woke up, went into my room, and saw me walking in circles,” Ke’onte remembered.
Now a healthy young man, completely off medication, Ke’onte is a runner, avid hiker, and a great dancer. He knows this all might not have been possible without Gloria’s persistence in finding him a home.
“I want to say to her thank you so much, because you’ve made my life worthwhile and you’ve helped me become the person that I am right now,” he said. “I probably would have been worse off had you not helped me out.”
“He’s definitely our son, our child… we love him very much.”
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