To say that the Yeckes triplets did not get a great start at life would be a gross understatement.
Since birth, Haley, Kassidy, and Sierra have faced more obstacles and seen more horrors than most adults ever will.
The girls’ mother died when they were only 3 months old. Later on, as they entered the sixth grade, their father was incarcerated.
Although they were sent to live with their grandmother, she did not believe in education, and the girls were not sent to school until they were 8 years old.
Eventually, their father was released from prison. But still, their lives did not seem to improve. The girls tell Fox5 Las Vegas:
“He started leaving us for weeks, months, at a time. We were left to kind of take care of ourselves.”
The triplets’ stay with their father was brief. It ended after their home was shot up.
The girls explain, “Our house got shot up. Three bullets, and our dad wasn’t there at the time.”
The three young girls have spent the majority of their young lives fending for themselves and going without food, clothing or transportation.
They are eventually enrolled in their school’s GEAR UP Program which aims to provide extra care and support for students in need.
As the girls grow closer with the program’s staff, they slowly begin revealing details of their past— details which stun and horrify everyone around them.
Despite all odds, and with the support of the community and GEAR UP staff, the girls are now graduating high school, and are on their way to college.
The Fox5 Surprise Squad and reporter Amanda Jones surprise the twins by showing up at their graduation ceremony, snagging them after they walk the stage.
The girls have a few other fans in attendance during the ceremony, including the South Nevada Confederation of Clubs motor cycle club.
Chairman Chris “Warrior” Ashby explains to Fox5 Las Vegas, “We’ve been following the girls for a little over 6 or 9 months now and helped them get some things that they really needed. You know, they’re just asking for things to survive.
The excited Haley can barely contain herself as she describes the proud moment to Amanda Jones, saying:
“It’s astonishing! I am so happy! I wasn’t I would ever make it this far, but now that I have, I’m just like, let’s do it!”
First, the girls receive a total of $15,000 from Albertson’s for their college expenses, money which Sierra says “will be going to books, and food, and hygiene products, and anything else I need.”
Amanda Jones then tells the girls, “Today you walked across the stage for graduation. But we want to make sure you really cruise into college. Follow me. ”
The girls follow her outside where Don Foreman, the owner of United Nissan is waiting to congratulate them.
Pointing in the distance towards 3 brand new vehicles, Don says, “We just wanted to congratulate you on your graduation… and these three cars are yours!”
The girls are in complete shock.
Haley tells Fox5 Las Vegas, “I’ve seen this stuff on TV all the time, but I’ve never seen this happen before. I’m like, ‘This is real… And it happened to me.’ I didn’t even think I’d make to 18, and now I’m here and I’m just so happy.”
Nowadays, Kassidy is studying to be a nurse, while Haley is taking social work, and Sierra is training to be a teacher.
These girls are an inspiring example of overcoming the odds and becoming the best that you can be.
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