Brent Kennedy and Turker Ozdogon

This picture was taken in 2007 in the city of New York. This is also a picture of a God given miracle. On a day in December of 2005, Brent Kennedy had a stroke immediately following the memorial service for a dear friend and colleague, Joe a Professor at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Brent gave the eulogy for, Joe Scholnick, Jr. Immediately after the memorial Brent had a grand mal seizure that was the result of an aneurysm in his brain. He collapsed in the hallway of the facility where he had just finished giving the eulogy.

Brent was taken to the emergency room at Holston Valley Hospital. When his was evaluated, they found that his shoulder had been broken from the fall that was caused by his stroke. The doctors kept Brent in the hospital for a few days. His stroke was mild and being Brent, his spirit remained untouched by the physical damage to his body. But just a few says later he went back into the hospital. The doctors determined what was happening and found that Brent had an aneurysm in his brain. The bleeding in his brain had to be stopped so he was sent to surgery to repair the damage. Brent had no brain activity at all. They say that when it is this serious, most people choose to unplug the life support to end their loved ones life. It was the machines that kept Brent's body functioning.

This time he became unconscious and remained in a coma for three months. Brent's wife, Robyn (Vaughn) Kennedy did not give up on her husband. She could have taken her husband off the life supports systems but, instead her love for her husband kept him alive. The rest of his family were at his side, praying to God for a miracle.

Then one day Brent became conscious! So many of us believe that God isn't finished with Brent Kennedy. He has had to endure strenuous painful therapies. Robyn Kennedy decided to take her husband to the Patricia Neal Stroke Center in Knoxville, TN. If you click on the link you will see a picture of Brent Kennedy doing his rehabilitation while staying in the center. The Kennedy family was by him, talking to him, playing his favorite CD's, while he was in a coma.


Now I would like to explain the miracle that took place while Brent was in a coma, the four major religions prayed to God to ask him to heal our brother Brent. Prayers were said at Mecca, a Rabi and his family along with others prayed at the Holy Wall in Jerusalem for a miracle. There were Protestants praying and people around the world lighted candles in their homes and prayed. The Catholic Church had a special service to pray for our brother Brent Kennedy. Even those of the Hindu faith prayed.

I do believe that only a few people get prayers to God, from all around the world at the same time for the same person. This picture of Brent is a reminder that God does indeed hears our prayers and grants a miracle. I hope his experience becomes an inspiration for those who suffer from disabling strokes. I hope that everyone acknowledges that yes indeed, Brent Kennedy's life is a God given miracle.

Mr. Kennedy was the President of the Wellmont Foundation in Bristol, Tennessee.He was able to raise funds to bring better health care to the Appalachian people living in Tennessee.