TAMPA, Florida - A Tampa family is grieving the loss of their son after his recent and unexpected death. They're asking for help to give him a proper burial.
17-year-old Kendrick Gamble will be buried Tuesday at Faith Outreach, his family's church. According to his parents, Cecilia and Kendrick Gamble Sr., the teen's funeral will cost more than $4,000.
It's been tough for the family. Kendrick Sr. just started working again after being on disability for an injury.
The Gambles said last Sunday their son had trouble breathing and had seizures, which led to brain damage. According to his parents, doctors told them Kendrick Jr. choked to death on something.
Kendrick Jr. liked making people laugh, said his parents. They said he had a smile that lit up the room, was raised in the church, and had a joyful heart. The teen was a student at Alonso High School and was also in the ROTC program. Kendrick Jr. wanted to join the military, his parents said.
Just before Thanksgiving, the Gambles said Kendrick Jr. had gotten his driver's permit and became an organ donor. They didn't know it until they were in the hospital. Cecilia believes God had a plan for Kendrick Jr. to help others.
"Everything had to have a purpose and [Kendrick] was not satisfied until the purpose was completed. So for me, we've helped him complete the purpose that he wanted to complete at the end," said Cecilia.
If you'd like to help with Kendrick Jr's funeral expenses, you can donate directly to Faith Outreach Church. The address is 7607 Sheldon Road in Tampa.
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