Q. Tell us about how you started Kids Caring 4 Kids.

A.I was 11 years old and I watched an Oprah Winfrey Christmas Special about AIDS orphans in Africa. They lived in extreme poverty and were dealing with not only their grief, but also the job of caring for their orphaned younger siblings. I wanted to help.

Q. What did you do once you learned about the AIDS crisis?

A.I found the charity World Vision online and put all of my Christmas money – it was $360 -- in an envelope to sponsor a girl in Mauritania. I got a letter back from that girl, and when I realized how much it helped, I wanted to do more.

Q. How does an 11 year old start raising money for her own non-profit!?

A. I was born with a rare liver disease and the summer after I first learned about the AIDS crisis I underwent not one, but two, liver transplants. I decided that instead of receiving gifts like teddy bears, I’d rather ask for donations.

Q. Did people respond?

A. Yes! With the help of World Vision, I sponsored a whole community in Zambia. By the end of the summer, I had raised over $15,000. I decided this was something I wanted to keep doing, and Kids Caring 4 Kids was born.

Q. What is the goal of Kids Caring 4 Kids?

A.Our goal is to inspire others, particularly kids, to care for kids in Africa impacted by AIDS. We empower kids with our “I care 2 kits,” so they can go out and tell the story.

Q. For someone so young, you are incredibly compassionate. How did that happen?

A.I guess that dealing with my own medical challenges (because of my liver disease) made me a very compassionate kid. I always reached out to the underdog and defended them. Whenever there was a new girl at school, my teachers asked me to help them. If girls played a game and excluded someone, I would tell them to include everyone.

Q. Who are the coolest people you have met since founding Kids Caring 4 Kids?

A.Bono, President Clinton and Oprah Winfrey were just awesome. Their work in Africa inspires me to continue my efforts.

Q. OK, we’ve got to ask: tell us about meeting the President!

A.I met President Clinton and Oprah Winfrey on a seemingly “regular” day during my freshman year in high school. President Clinton came to my school to talk about his book, Giving, and he called me out of the audience and whisked me away to the Oprah show. It was an amazing experience!

Q. Even the former President thinks you are a role model! What advice do you give to girls who admire what you’ve been able to do?

A. High school and middle school can be a really hard time for girls. Because of insecurity, people can be mean. Giving and focusing on others helps those in need, and makes me feel good about myself as well.

Q. You’ve “dared to be different” than most kids. What do you tell other girls with big goals?

A.Find something YOU care about and go for it. Remember, you don’t need your friends’ approval. You can find your own greatness. I found mine through giving.

Tell us what you learned from Kendall! Email us at gotm@girl360.net