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The Hechts of Jacksonville, Florida: Evan, 13, Katie, 10, and parents Ken and Joan in foreground, with some of the Lost Boys
The Hechts first learned about the plight of the Lost Boys of southern Sudan -- young men, many orphaned, who fled their country to escape a brutal civil war -- about seven years ago, when several of them began attending the Hechts' church. The refugees' stories moved Joan Hecht to tears. At first, her family collected clothes, food, furniture, and bicycles for the Lost Boys and showed them new things, such as how to use a can opener. The Hechts took them to doctor's appointments and job interviews and had them over for meals and holidays. Before long, the Lost Boys became like family, joining the Hechts for movies and trips to the zoo with Katie and Evan. In 2004, Joan started the Alliance for the Lost Boys of Sudan to help the refugees pay for health care and college tuition and to support rebuilding projects in Sudan. The whole family raises money for the Alliance through walks, movie screenings, parades, and other events. Though many of these Lost Boys are now independent young men, they are still part of the family and call or e-mail the Hechts every week.
Ken:
"When we first met them, they really had nothing. And they were just the nicest kids, and you just couldn't help but want to help them."
Katie, 10:
"When they were in the refugee camps, they adopted a slogan that said, 'Education is our only mother and father,' because they didn't have moms and dads after the war. And when they came to America, my mom's foundation gave them a higher education."
Evan, 13:
"It's fun to teach the Lost Boys about new things like ice, ice cream, and chocolate. I call them my African brothers."
Joan:
"I always tell my children that we're living proof that you don't have to be a famous movie star, musician, or even a politician to bring about change in the world."
